Classic Eventing Nation

Girl Power at Carolina: Halliday-Sharp Dominating CCI4*-S + Much More

By on Mar 22, 2019 7:39 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp is dominating the CCI4*-S at Carolina International, holding the lead on 27.9 after show jumping with Fernhill By Night and moving up to second on 29.5 with Deniro Z thanks to delivering clear rounds with both horses.

Marc Donovan’s course always shakes up the leaderboard at Carolina, and 17 of the 43 pairs in the CCI4*-S jumped clear rounds inside the time to give us a 40% clear rate. Last year’s winners Doug Payne and Vandiver dropped one rail to slip from second place after dressage to fifth.

“Now I’ve been here enough that I know you have to keep moving no matter what,” Liz said of Marc’s show jumping track. “I had some help from Richard Picken in warm-up and he really knows those horses now, so he got it just right.”

After having two rails down at Millstreet last year, Liz went on a 1.30-meter show jumping crusade with Deniro Z, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding (Zapatero VDL X Zonne- Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by The Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Each track we did, he got better and I got better. I think that helped me figure out how to ride him a bit more. He’s looking for the rider to do quite a bit — he’s not a light, fluffy ride,” Liz said. “He’s also a lot stronger now, especially behind, so now I can really get him into the base of the jump.”

Liz also has her third ride, The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver, sitting inside the top 10 in his CCI4*-S debut after he jumped a clear round today.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross country, Liz can afford to be 10 seconds over the optimum time of 6 minutes, 40 seconds and still take the win with “Blackie,” a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Radolin x Argentina XII, by Argentinus) owned by Deborah Halliday.

“Blackie isn’t the world’s fastest horse, but he is quick enough. I need to be super efficient with him,” Liz said. “I definitely think early on this course you have to come out of the box in sixth gear because that’s one place where it’s flat so you can get a bit of speed up.”

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Hallie Coon and Celien, a 12-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL X R Quicksilver, by Hamlet) owned by Helen Coon, will be looking to capitalize on cross country tomorrow after their clear round moved them up to third place on 32.3.

“She’s been jumping out of her skin this year. We’ve been approaching show jumping with a different view and mixing it up for her. It’s my job to get her there with a bit of a gap to the fences, and it’s her job to do the rest,” Hallie said. “Mostly it’s about getting her to the fences with not a lot of momentum and getting her there with a gap so she actually has to use her scope and try.”

The general consensus from the riders is that Ian Stark’s CCI4*-S cross country course is a bit softer this year (though it is wise to never underestimate Ian!), and Hallie said she thinks it will be a good prep run for Celien as she aims for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“There are good questions that will prepare the horses for Kentucky. The main factor here is always time, but I think this year it might be a little easier to get because they’ve done so much work on the ground and a lot of clearing out there. The galloping lanes are so much wider, and it’s easier to see where you’re going.”

Hallie and Celien are competing on Erik Duvander’s team as part of the USEF/USET Foundation North American Futures Team Challenge, a new program established to simulate competing in a team environment. Stay tuned for much more on the North American Futures Team Challenge.

Click here for full scores in the CCI4*-S after show jumping.

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing. Photo by Jenni Autry.

CharmKing Jumps to CCI3*-S Lead

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing, an 8-year-old Holsteiner (Cassito X O-Heraldika, by Heraldik) owned by CharmKing LLC, moved up to lead the CCI3*-S after dressage leaders Kristen Bond and I’m Sew Ready dropped one rail.

“I’m just really proud of him this weekend because he had just started to get to the point where he’s getting a little fitter and a little more worked up in the big atmosphere,” Holly said. “He knows what it’s about now, which kind of worries you when they get a little too excited about it, but he was good and rideable in the dressage and was the same in the show jumping today. He definitely felt the atmosphere, but it just made him jump better.”

As for Holly’s thoughts on Ian’s CCI3*-S course: “I think there’s plenty to do out there, but it’s very fair and it’s a good benchmark of where you are in your training. I think if you have an issue, then that’s a hole in your education that you can go home and work on. Then if you do well, you’re right on track with your education.”

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye, a 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Goldfever X Cascade, by Contendro I) she owns with Amanda Bernhard, jumped clear to move up to second on 27.0 in the horse’s CCI3*-S debut.

Will Faudree and Caeleste, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, and Liz Halliday-Sharp and Pru Dawes’ Flash Cooley, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse (CSF MR Kroon X Castlefield Ruby) making his CCI2*-S debut, both jumped clear to move up to equal third on 28.9.

A total of 25 pairs jumped clear rounds inside the time on Marc Donovan’s CCI3*-S show jumping course to give us a 45% clear rate. Click here to view full scores after show jumping.

Andrew McConnon and Bossinova. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Andrew McConnon Holds Lead in CCI2*-S

It’s been a busy day at Carolina International, with cross country also taking place for the CCI2*-S. Andrew McConnon and his own Bossinova, a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Bonifatius x Dawina, by Der Lord), finished 5 seconds inside the optimum time of 5 minutes, 58 seconds to hold their lead on 20.3.

“I had to go pretty quick to go inside the time,” Andrew said. “The footing was fantastic and the course was presented beautifully, which allowed for the horses to really gallop. It was a great galloping track.”

Andrew and “Hugo” have a rail and time in hand for tomorrow’s show jumping, and he said he’s feeling confident as he aims to secure the first international win of his career. “He’s beautifully behaved, so I just need to ask the right questions of him.”

Waylon Roberts and Michelle Koppin’s Fortunate Rebel, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, also caught the time on cross country to remain on their dressage score of 27.4 and move up to second place.

Kyle Carter and Gaillards Lancer, an 8-year-old KWPN gelding (Diarado X Urlanta, by Flemmingh) owned by Brandon and Savannah Blackstock, also jumped clear and inside the time to move up to third place on 27.5.

Ian Stark’s track definitely shook up the leaderboard, with 22 of the 62 combinations jumping clear rounds inside the time (35% of the field). Click here to view scores after cross country.

Allison Springer and Business Ben Best Advanced

Dressage also kicked off today for the National divisions, and Allison Springer and Business Ben lead the Advanced on 27.2, a personal best at the level. Allison has carefully produced Ben, a 9-year-old unraced Thoroughbred (Artie Schiller X Min Elreeh, by Danzig) owned by The Business Ben Partnership, through the levels with the future in mind. He stepped up to the Advanced level last year, and Allison said he has come out this season a more mature horse.

“He was excited in the cold wind this morning, but he’s really learning to channel that energy,” Allison said. “All of his excitement comes from a place of wanting to do the right thing and loving the job. You can’t beat that in the Thoroughbred mind.”

Allison has yet to push the clock on cross country since Ben stepped up to Advanced, and she said tomorrow she will look to give him a solid, educational round to build on later in the spring season.

“I can’t say I’m going for the time tomorrow, but I’m producing him to be more rideable,” she said. “It’s about waiting for them to mature and totally get it.”

Buck Davidson and Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo, a 12-year-old Holsteiner (Caresino X Ramatuelle, by Levernois), scored 27.5 for second place — meaning Allison doesn’t have even 1 second in hand on cross country tomorrow.

Alexa Lapp and Cambalda, a 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Balda Beau X Cathy’s Lady), scored 29.5 for third place. Alexa and “Ping” competed in the Advanced combined test at Rocking Horse several weeks ago and are contesting their first Advanced here at Carolina.

Click here to view full scores across all divisions.

CCI3*-S cross country will stream live tomorrow on EQTV Network from 10-11:54 a.m. EST, followed by CCI4*S cross country from 12:30-2:48 p.m. EST and Advanced cross country from 3-4:15 p.m. EST. Click here for a fence-by-fence preview of the CCI4*-S course.

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who make Carolina such a fabulous event, and thank you for following along with EN’s coverage. Go Eventing.

Carolina International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Start Lists, EN’s Coverage, Live Stream, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Friday Video from SmartPak: Back to the Track

By on Mar 22, 2019 5:37 pm -

In between some soggy early-season events, Britain’s horsey set were thoroughly preoccupied with one thing last week: the Cheltenham Festival. National Hunt racing’s crown jewel, the Festival brings together the UK and Ireland’s finest runners, while punters bring forward their most ludicrous head-to-toe tweed outfits, and then madness ensues. It’s a smashing good time for everyone.

But where there’s racing, there are ex-racehorses, and as proud and unabashed OTTB fans, we’ve got to give a nod to the Thoroughbreds tackling second careers with aplomb. To our delight, Cheltenham – and the hard-working organisation Retraining of Racehorses –  felt the same way. Meet Master Minded, a former Festival winner who made a long-awaited return to his happy hunting ground at this year’s festival. We love him already, and we’re pretty sure you will too.

Ol’ Army Defeats New Army at Inaugural MeadowCreek Park H.T. Alumni Team Challenge

By on Mar 22, 2019 2:00 pm -

We’ve enjoyed seeing Alumni Team Challenge competitions pop up at USEA events around the country, with college alumni squaring off against current event team members for a little glory. With the USEA’s Intercollegiate Eventing Program thriving and growing larger each year, the Alumni Team Challenges are a great way to extend the fun and camaraderie to the larger eventing community. 

Last weekend’s MeadowCreek Park H.T. in Kosse, Texas, featured its first Alumni Team Challenge. Texas A&M Eventing Team member Jessi Hart submitted this recap, which we are happy to share! View full results from MeadowCreek Park H.T. here. 

Photo by John Benson.

I got a story for ya Ags! This past weekend was the Area V spring opener held at the MeadowCreek Park Spring Social and Horse Trial. MeadowCreek Park, the official home of the Texas A&M Eventing Team, played host to the inaugural Texas A&M Alumni Team Challenge.

Riders of any level or age were welcome to participate in the team challenge. The only requirement was they had to be a loud and proud member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie family regardless of what year they graduated. This opportunity allowed graduates who earned their degree before the TAMU Eventing Team was established to represent the university they love as well as meet current team members.

Nine riders were able to compete as part of the team challenge, but Aggies seemed to be everywhere with family members and team members coming out to support the maroon and white.

As tradition dictates, Ol’ Army does it better. The seasoned pros clenched the first-place spot over the youngsters of the New Army Team.

Amy Clemmons (class of 1995) and Glenlord’s Full Moon Fortune, winners of the Prelim/Training division. Photo by John Benson.

Ol’ Army

Ol’ Army was well represented by Amy Clemmons ’95, Abbie Chappell ’05, Kendall Baker ’17, and Clarissa Conrad ’18. Amy Clemmons rode Glenlord’s Full Moon Fortune in the Prelim/Training division. Clemmons and her mount navigated a tricky cross country course picking up only a few time penalties and finished the weekend with a first-place ribbon.

Chappell rode her horse, Texas Renegade, in the Open Novice division. This pair steadily moved up the ranks throughout the weekend to finish in fourth place.

“My favorite part of the weekend was watching all the girls being so supportive of each other,” Chappell said. “They are wonderful representatives of what it means to be an Aggie.”

Baker and her Demitasse powered through the weekend and finished strong on a double clear cross country round to take home fifth place in the Senior Training Rider division.

Conrad and Indian Invention made their Beginner Novice debut and scored beautifully in dressage. The pair also closed out their weekend with strong cross country.

“This past weekend went very well. I loved how everyone was so willing to help each other, give advice, and cheer each other on,” Conrad said.

Kaitlyn Harkin (class of 2019) and Cash in Hand contested Beginner Novice. Photo by John Benson.

New Army

The New Army Team was represented by Hannah Ayoub ’19, Kaitlyn Harkin ’19, Sierra Roney ’19, Sarah English ’21, and Marissa Rewcastle ’21. The team came into the competition strong with stellar dressage rounds which left three of the five riders in ribbon position. However, the less than favorable weather leading up to the show caused many riders in the competition to accrue time faults in stadium and cross country. While several New Army members also had time faults, all the horses managed the footing and came home safe.

Ayoub and her young horse, Battle Cry, completed their first recognized horse trial. They competed in Beginner Novice and now look forward to more competitions.

Harkin and her horse, Cash in Hand, also navigated the Beginner Novice and have their eyes set on the Intercollegiate Championships in May. This pair rode a lovely stadium course and are eager to continue improvement on the way to champs.

“I loved mingling with all our alumni this weekend,” Harkin said. “I’m really looking forward to competing at Championships and coming back as an alumnus next year to compete in an alumni team challenge.”

Marissa Rewcastle (class of 2021) and WSS Bombs Away. Photo by John Benson.

English and her mount, Vinnie took home first in dressage at their second recognized horse trial and now look forward to a few more years on the A&M team.

“This weekend was an excellent learning opportunity for all of us, I enjoyed seeing how much everyone has improved since the fall,” English said. “I enjoyed involving the alumni because they provide so much support to the eventing team.”

Roney and Ooh La La also competed in Beginner Novice. The duo put in a lovely dressage test placing second. The pair had an unfortunate miss communication in show jumping, but they finished strong with a solid cross country.

Rewcastle and her horse, WSS Bombs Away, finished off the weekend with the final cross country round of the New Army team. While the pair is still working to ease back into competitions, they already have their sights set on Pine Hill in a few weeks.

“My favorite part of the weekend was simply hanging out with both teams,” Rewcastle said. “We were all so supportive each other during our rides.”

Photo by John Benson.

Aggies Love to Have Fun

In addition to the competition, the weekend was full of festivities. There was a silent auction during the Saturday night competitors’ dinner full of goodies from the TAMU Eventing Sponsors. All proceeds from the Saturday auction and weekend apparel sales will fund the A&M Team’s trek to the Intercollegiate Championships. The weekend was also full of birthday celebrations for several attendees.

The TAMU Eventing parents arranged a couple of birthday cakes and a birthday song from the live musical entertainment, Brice and the Lonesome Strings. In addition, the final day of the horse trial fell on St. Patrick’s Day. Some competitors dawned green hair and shamrock saddle pads while the ground jury wore tiny green top hats. As eventers know, life is never boring at a horse show.

Although Ol’ Army may have won this weekend, New Army is determined to return next year to claim the title. The team will spend the rest of the 2019 spring season preparing for the Intercollegiate Championship in Chattahoochee, Georgia, in May with an A&M/ TCU team challenge at the Texas Rose Spring Horse Trials in two weeks. So let’s wish them luck and send a good old Aggie “Whoop!” as the riders prepare to BTHO champs.

Carolina International CCI4*-S Cross Country Course Preview

By on Mar 22, 2019 11:20 am -

Fence 4ABC – The Attwood Mounds. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North Carolina International is always one of the most highly anticipated events of the U.S. spring season, and Ian Stark’s cross country course never disappoints. Time is extremely difficult to catch in the CCI4*-S, with only one pair managing it in each of the last two runnings of the event. Caroline Martin and The Apprentice beat the clock when they won in 2017, as did Doug Payne and Vandiver when they won last year.

The CCI4*-S course follows much of the same route as last year and is beautifully decorated by Janine McClain and her top notch team. The first three fences — Knowlbrook Farms Welcome to Carolina International at fence 1, The Kingfisher Park Guard House at fence 2, and CDP Stables Home of the Brave at fence 3 — settle horses and riders into a rhythm before the first combination at fence 4, The Attwood Mounds. Riders will tackle an angled hanging log at A before jumping a narrow log at B and a triple brush at C.

Fence 5, The Spindletop Farm Hurdles, is a combination of two rolltops. Then it’s on to fence 6, The Winter Book Farm Kennel, before the coffin at fence 7. Called the Breezeway and Friendship Complex, the coffin has a hanging log as the A element, one stride to the ditch and then out over a triple brush. Fence 8, the The Osphos Table, is a beautiful new table built by course builders Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewart.

Fence 13ABC – Cloud 11 Montrose Pool Aquarium. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fence 9, Horsepower Technologies’ Roll Tops, is a turning question with two narrow rolltops. The cabin at fence 10, DGS Group of Southeby’s 10 International Realty Cabin, bring riders to the next combination at fence 11, Cordelia’s White Gates, which features two white gates on an uphill approach. Then it’s on the imposing Hylofit Ditch and Brush at fence 12 before the first water complex at Cloud 11 Montrose Pool Aquarium. Riders drop in over a log at A, jump a wedge in the water as B, then kick up the hill to the trakehner at C, and finally on to the open oxer at D, which was separately numbered last year.

Fence 14 is a beautifully carved narrow fence called Seminole Feed Farmyard, and leads to the next combination at fence 15, Setters’ Run. Riders will jump an open oxer as the A element, followed by a narrow brush at B. The next three fences, The MLB table at fence 16, The Pyne Family Trakehner at fence 17, and the The Emerald Valley Cordwood pile at fence 18, lead to the next water complex.

Fence 19AB – The Lumbee River Chincoteague Pegasus. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The new brush built for the The Lumbee River Chincoteague Pegasus water complex at fence 19 is quite a site to behold. The direct route takes horses and riders over the brush and into the water as the AB element, then a left-hand turn out of the water and up to a narrow hanging log as the C element. Fence 20, The Land Rover Tobacco Barn Complex, features the same open corner combination as last year, and then it’s on to the last at fence 21, Southeast Farm Finale.

The CCI4*-S is 3,800 meters with an optimum time of 6 minutes, 40 seconds. CCI3*-S cross country will stream live tomorrow, March 23, on EQTV Network from 10-11:54 a.m. EST, followed by CCI4*S cross country from 12:30-2:48 p.m. EST and Advanced cross country from 3-4:15 p.m. EST. You can view maps of all the courses here, and scroll down for a fence-by-fence preview of the CCI4*-S course. Go Eventing.

Carolina International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Start Lists, EN’s Coverage, Live Stream, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Signs You’re a Pony Club Graduate Part II: Reader Submissions

By on Mar 22, 2019 9:00 am -

Pony Club Mounted Games. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Turns out it’s true: Once a Pony Clubber always a Pony Clubber. Joining Pony Club is like inserting a few specific neuroses straight into your DNA. Did you have a visceral reaction to our first post, Six Signs You’re A Pony Club Graduate? Congratulations! You’re in an elite club.

Status courtesy of Stephanie Jones .

And turns out, so many of these telltale indicators are so ingrained that I didn’t even realize they were all thanks to my Pony Club roots. Shout out to Hilltoppers Pony Club, South Region! Here’s eight more signs that are a dead giveaway:

1.“There’s the right way, the wrong way, and the Pony Club way.” — Jessie Wade

2. “You’re one of a select few who know what a ‘turn back’ is.” — Eileen Phethean

3. “Being nicely turned out for every event or clinic. Everything freshly cleaned — tack shiny, even the metal polished. Polishing my boots. Proper standing wraps – lots of padding. Horse spotless and shiny.” — Julia Davies

4. “The way you must twist the reins and secure them with the throat latch to lunge.” — Leslie Stoffel

5. “You see someone sitting down and holding a horse and *shudder*” — Heather MacKenzie

6. “Breakaway, breakaway, breakaway. It’s a wonder we don’t have loose horses all the time but everything we tie to has some element of a breakaway string.” — Trish Morgan

7. “If you pass a trailer on the highway with a little loop of bailing twine blowing in the breeze on the ties, you know you just passed a pony clubber!!” — Jennifer Steadman Galbraith

8. “When you have to wear a belt to the barn, even when you’re just visiting, just in case somebody gets loose.” — Jennifer Mayfield

Nancy Toby also kindly reminded us in the comments that Pony Club is no longer just for those Under 25! For more information on the Horsemasters Program, or to find a club near you, click here.

Go Pony Club!

 

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 22, 2019 12:03 am -

Literally story of my life. Photo via Get Ranchy FB.

I’ve decided that amongst all the mottos for horse riders, this is the best one: NNL. Aka, Never Not Learning. I literally learn something new every single day that I interact with my horses or my students or my vet or my farrier. We all have something to give to one another with perspectives and moments in time that teach us little pieces of information. These little pieces gather over the years to our cumulative knowledge and I love it!

National Holiday: National Puppy Day!!

Major Events This Week:

Carolina International CCI & HT: Carolina: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Start Lists, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Live Stream, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Events This Week:

Stable View Spring Horse Trials [Final Scores]

MDHT March Starter Trial [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place March Horse Trials [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop March Schooling Show II [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Arizona Eventing Association HT [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

In very sad news, top eventing stallion Upsilon has been diagnosed with a mutation of the equine herpes virus. He has been battling the illness all week, and has been critically ill. His owner and rider Tom Carlisle says that his motor neuron system has been badly damaged, and doubts that the horse will return to competition. At the moment, he is back home from the hospital and they hope that they can maintain his health and bring him back to comfort and happiness. [Upsilon Battling For His Life]

Are you watching the USEF/USET Foundation North American Futures Team Challenge this weekend at Carolina International? The first ever Team Challenge kicks off this week at Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials. Eight U.S. athletes and two reserve combinations will be named to two teams to gain experience competing in a team environment. The Team Challenge was announced during the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention last December as part of U.S. eventing’s strategic plan, spearheaded by Erik Duvander, U.S. Eventing Director of High Performance. The new program looks to create a “culture of competitiveness” and provide a more clearly defined pathway for eventing athletes in the United States. [Team Challenge Players]

Two short format CCI4*-s champions face off at Carolina after the first day of dressage.  Predictably, at this point, Liz Halliday-Sharp leads the field with Fernhill by Night, followed by last year’s winners Doug Payne and Vandiver. Liz believes “Blackie” is enjoying his job better than ever since she has decided just to do short format events with him, as that’s where he finds his happiness. Doug and “Quinn” are back together this year after taking the majority of last year off to repair some old damage in a stifle, and he’s excited to defend his title. [Champions Face off at Carolina]

Hot on Horse Nation: #EquestrianProblems According to Twitter

 

 

Halliday-Sharp vs. Payne: Stage Set for Carolina CCI4*-S Showdown

By on Mar 21, 2019 9:29 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Radolin x Argentina XII, by Argentinus), cruised to the dressage lead in the Carolina International CCI4*-S prior to the lunch break on 27.9 and never relinquished it.

While rainy, chilly temperatures plagued the morning session of dressage today in Raeford, North Carolina, the conditions actually suited Fernhill By Night. Last year Liz elected to only target short format events with “Blackie,” and the strategy paid off with top-10 results in all of their CCI4*-S runs in 2018.

“We’re always trying to get him really sassy for a test because he’s a really sleepy person in the ring. … We’ve been teaching him a few piaffe steps and passage — anything to make it more fun for him. … He’s 16 now and he knows his job, and as long as we get him fresh and ready he delivers a good test. It’s fun to ride him because you know he’ll bring something good to the table,” Liz said.

“His niche is never running longer than 6 1/2 minutes — that suits him just fine. I think the horse really enjoys it now. He comes to the party knowing he’s not going to get exhausted. He knows he can do it. I think he’s built on that and become a better horse. It’s nice to have figured him out that way and accepted he’s not going to do Kentucky.”

Blackie finished second in the CCI4*-S here at Carolina last year, bested only by Doug Payne and Debi Crowley’s Vandiver, who sit second after dressage on 29.0. The stage is set for a Halliday-Sharp vs. Payne showdown.

Doug Payne and Vandiver — note that Doug his holding the reins in a driving position. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Quinn,” a 15-year-old Trakehner (Windfall II X Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx), had a joint flush in his stifle last year after winning the CCI4*-S at Carolina and is fittingly returning to his first international competition this weekend to defend the title.

“It’s very rewarding because he’s the most genuine creature there is and wants to help you out,” Doug said. “It makes the job a whole lot of fun and fairly straightforward, especially with the jumping. On cross country he’s a seeing-eye dog.”

As for the dressage, Doug has worked with Grand Prix dressage rider Shawna Harding and U.S. Performance Director for Eventing Erik Duvander over the winter to finding better coping mechanisms for Quinn’s tension in the ring.

“He’s a horse that would get a little bit nervous,” Doug said. “We’ve tried to figure out a way to ride through the tension and take the energy and go somewhere with it rather than go hands-off and wait for something to happen.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp also holds third place with Deniro Z, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding (Zapatero VDL X Zonne- Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by The Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, on 29.5.

“I think he’s getting better marks for the bits he does really well because he’s really pushing from behind now. He spent a bit of time with Robert Dover in Wellington, which was really amazing to have his insight — just teaching him to sit a little bit more because he’s naturally croup-high,” Liz said.

“He’s such a wonderful horse. He has such a great brain, and he loves his job and loves me — we have a great partnership. I think when all the pieces are aligned, he’s going to be unbeatable.”

Liz has been on a roll this winter — winning two Advanced divisions at Pine Top Advanced with Deniro Z and Cooley Quicksilver, who sits just outside the top 10 in his CCI4*-S debut, plus winning the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Invitational with Fernhill By Night.

“I’ve always been quite competitive, but I think there were a few pieces that needed to get better. A lot of it has been working with the right trainers. I tried to sit down and work out the bits that weren’t right. I think my cross country riding needed to improve. I think we’ve tried to get the horses a lot stronger. I think that’s made a big difference — working them for strength and getting them to use themselves better,” Liz said.

“Those overall building blocks of their strength and knowledge has made the horses go better, but it can always be better. At each event you learn a bit more, and having Erik’s guidance has been brilliant. My longterm dressage coach James Burtwell has also been there from the beginning with guiding me in producing these horses. I just want to be the best and I’m not, so I have to keep working hard.”

Kristen Bond and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kristen Bond and I’m Sew Ready Reunited

Today was a homecoming for Kristen Bond and John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready, who were reunited for their first international competition since 2015 and lead the CCI3*-S on 25.6. Phillip Dutton campaigned the horse for the last three seasons, and now “Jackson,” a 15-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, Elcaro) has returned to Kristen to be sold.

“We’re so happy to have him back. He’s the king. It’s pretty surreal,” Kristen said. “(The Nortons’) goal with him is to find his next home. He still has a lot to offer for sure. He’s a super horse. We want to find the right match for him.”

Kristen took Jackson to Gulfport in Mississippi to compete in jumper classes at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in the lead-up to Carolina, and she said they plan to go back to jump again following this weekend as they look ahead to what’s next for the horse.

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing, an 8-year-old Holsteiner (Cassito X O-Heraldika, by Heraldik) owned by CharmKing LLC, scored 26.3 for second place in the CCI3*-S.

“He’s a funny horse. He can be really lazy but out of nowhere can do a buck or leap or something dramatic. He did do that in warm-up (today) when I thought he was quiet, but I found that if he gets it out of his system in warm-up then he’s usually a little bit better in the ring,” Holly said.

“Today was the first day I felt him go in and be a little bit nervous but still rideable. He listened to me the whole way even though I could tell the atmosphere was affecting him.”

Colleen Loach — who has a seriously nice group of young horses coming up the levels right now — sits third in the CCI3*-S on 27.0 with FE Golden Eye, a 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Goldfever X Cascade, by Contendro I) she owns with Amanda Bernhard.

Andrew McConnon and Bossinova. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Andrew McConnon Bosses CCI2*-S

Andrew McConnon and his own Bossinova smoked the CCI2*-S on a 20.3, a personal best for the 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Bonifatius x Dawina, by Der Lord).

“Overall he just feels stronger and more in front of my leg,” Andrew said. “He’s always good in the contact, but he’s taking me down the centerline and in the movements, which I think is where the extra marks came from. He can be economical at times. The atmosphere and a bit more going on definitely helps him.”

Hugh Wrigley and FE Santos, his own 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding, sit second in the CCI2*-S on 26.5. Waylon Roberts and Michelle Koppin’s Fortunate Rebel, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, scored 27.4 to sit in third place.

Tomorrow will be yet another action-packed day at Carolina International. Advanced dressage starts at 8 a.m. EST, with CCI3*-S show jumping starting at 9:30 a.m. EST, followed by CCI4*-S show jumping at 12:30 p.m. EST. You can watch show jumping on EQSportsNet with fabulous commentary from Nicole Brown and friends. Click here for the full schedule.

Thank you to all the fabulous volunteers and everyone working hard behind the scenes to make Carolina International one of EN’s favorite events of the year. Go Eventing.

Carolina: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Start Lists, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Live Stream, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday Video from Ecovet: A Virtual Tour of the Carolina Horse Park

By on Mar 21, 2019 5:00 pm -

Have you been to the Carolina Horse Park, site of this week’s Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and H.T.? The 250-acre venue in Hoke County, North Carolina, hosts not only eventing competitions, but also a number of dressage, combined driving and hunter/jumper shows throughout the year. In fact, CHP is the only equestrian facility in the mid-Atlantic region with multi-disciplined capabilities suitable for championship level competitions.

The Carolina Horse Park Foundation was founded in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization by equestrian enthusiasts, and today CHP is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian and recreational purposes. In addition to horse shows, it hosts other agricultural events and fun outdoor activities.

For more information on CHP and view its calendar of events, visit the website here. And be sure to keep it locked here for full reports on all the action from Carolina International 2019!

Carolina: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Live Stream, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Did you know? Ecovet is the only fly repellent that improves insect-related skin sensitivity. Learn more at eco-vet.com.

Stable View Spring H.T. Recap + Photo Gallery

By on Mar 21, 2019 3:30 pm -

Waylon Roberts and Wil Celtic Charlie, winners of Open Intermediate. Photo by Christine Rhodes.

With 231 horses going to the start, the Stable View Spring Horse Trials on Tuesday, March 19, turned out to be a long, exciting day of eventing. This was the most entries this Aiken event has received to-date, even on a weekday between Pine Top and Carolina International!

Four dressage rings started the day at 7:45 a.m. with the Preliminary and Intermediate divisions. With the one-day format, riders then made their way over to the show jumping course designed by Chris Barnard. The new Pavilion at Stable View provided spectators with excellent views of both the show jumping and cross country courses.

The track for cross country used sections of both cross country courses at Stable View with connector lanes. Horses were able to gallop over the exceptional footing with green winter rye and celebration Bermuda. The Intermediate and Preliminary cross country courses were designed by Captain Mark Phillips, while Mogie Bearden-Muller designed the Beginner Novice through Modified courses.

With up to $20,000 of prize money on the line, the competition was fierce in all divisions. Waylon Roberts and Wil Celtic Charlie came out on top of the tough Open Intermediate division, finishing on a 39.9. Stable View offered a Modified division for the first time, and Nicholas Hinze and Dakota Blues bested 21 pairs to take home the blue ribbon and prize money.

Thirty-nine riders competed over three Preliminary divisions, with Nilson Da Silva and DeNova winning the Open division, Isabel Finemore and Craig Mor Tom winning the Junior division, and Alice Roosevelt and Get It Together topping the Rider division. The Training divisions were the largest of the day, with 57 competitors. Many riders tackled the Novice and Beginner Novice divisions, ending the day with lovely evening rides on the cross country course.

Nancy Wilson and Lagerfeld, finishing fourth in the Beginner Novice Rider division, sealed their win of the Mary Alice Brown Amateur Master Rider Series and were rewarded with a beautiful cooler sponsored by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces. All first place winners received a $100 FITS voucher towards a new pair of breeches.

Congratulations to all the winners! Full results are available here.

Open Intermediate: Waylon Roberts & Wil Celtic Charlie (39.9)
Open Preliminary: Nilson Da Silva & DeNova (32.5)
Preliminary Rider: Alice Roosevelt & Get it Together (41.3)
Junior Preliminary: Isabel Finemore & Craig Mor Tom (39.4)
Open Modified: Nicholas Hinze & Dakota Blues (32.9)
Open Training: Lindsay Beer & Billy Shamrock (23.2)
Training Rider: Norah Springgate & Jaywalker (33.0)
Junior Training: Cassie Sanger & Born Ready (26.8)
Open Novice: Morgan Batton & Sommersby (24.7)
Novice Rider: Mark Hurtig & Kegan’s Irish Clover (30.5)
Junior Novice: Claudia Oppedisano & God of Thunder (31.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Pullen & Koko Chanel (28.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Beth Allen & Remastered (26.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Kaley Chung & Rhapsody In Bay (35.5)

For more information on any of the many events at Stable View, visit www.stableviewfarm.com.

Photo gallery courtesy of Christine Rhodes and Stable View: 

#BadmintonAt70: Ride the 1969 Cross Country Course

By on Mar 21, 2019 10:00 am -

Gird your loins, chaps: the countdown is ON to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, and we, for one, couldn’t be more excited — not least because this year is a special one. 2019’s competition is the 70th anniversary of the inaugural Badminton, and since its first running in 1949 the sport, the venue, and the characters within this epic story have changed and evolved significantly. To celebrate 70 years of brilliant Badminton, we’re going to be bringing you an extra-special inside look at the event and its rich and exciting history, every week from now until the competition begins on May 1. Consider the archives your own personal Gringotts, and EN your loyal goblin sherpas. 

This week, as we pour our time and attentions to your bumper Badminton form guide, we’re filling in the gap with help from our pals at the event — you’re in for a real treat!

If you’re anything like us, you absolutely live on the Cross Country App when the season starts. Forget wheeling your course — this GPS-powered mini marvel allows you to work out minute markers as you walk, leaving you free to plot the best possible line, take pithy notes, and snap photos of your fences and your routes. It’s great for spectators, too, allowing you the chance to do a deep dive into the courses at internationals the world over.

We’re all for the innovative use of technology, so when our friends at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials told us they were launching a course ‘preview’ that would take its users 50 years back in time, we started to get excited. When the end result dropped, we absolutely weren’t disappointed.

Richard Walker and Pasha tackle the steeplechase course. Photo courtesy of Badminton Horse Trials.

Badminton is celebrating two special anniversaries this year: one is its 70th birthday, which we’re sure we haven’t let you forget quite yet. The other is the 50th anniversary of the youngest-ever winner, Richard Walker, who was just 18 years (and 247 days) old when he triumphed with his 15.1-hand Anglo-Arab, Pasha. Remarkable Richard has seen the course change and evolve enormously throughout the last 50 years and now, he’s helping to bring those changes to life for us all via an archival, interactive course map on the Cross Country App.

The Vicarage Vee: a real pants-wetter even (or perhaps especially?) in 1969.

 

Want to give it a go? You can download the 1969 Badminton course directly to the app, but we recommend clicking through to the Badminton website and enjoying the experience full-screen. You’ll get to ride along through all four phases — roads and tracks, steeplechase, more roads and tracks, and finally, that beefy cross country course — with incredible archival photographs, footage, and endlessly fascinating audio clips explaining the whys, wherefores, and changes to this iconic course. No stone has been left unturned: you’ll see competitors running alongside their horses on roads and tracks, as explained by competitor and president of the Ground Jury Judy Bradwell, and you’ll head into the Formula One-esque 10-minute box with inspector Bill Bush. Then, you’ll head out on course with ’69 winner Richard Walker and learn which bits of the course really made his knees knock.

The evolution of “no thanks”.

With insights into the development of safety technology, the rise of technicality, and the evolution of the Vicarage Vee, this is your afternoon sorted. Even better? If you’re a UK resident, you can enter the 1969 trivia competition to bag yourself a Badminton polo top from sponsor Joules.

Happy app-ing!