Classic Eventing Nation

Bon Voyage! Spots Still Available in Selena O’Hanlon Badminton Fundraiser Clinic

By on Mar 19, 2019 1:00 pm -

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High at Badminton 2018. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High ship out  to England on March 31 to gear up for their second consecutive crack at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (May 1-5, 2019). As a bon voyage fundraiser for their journey, Selena is teaching a clinic at BarnStaple South in Morriston, Florida, and spots are still available!

BarnStaple South is a brand new 80-acre eventing facility with a fully loaded cross country course complete with ditches, water, banks, coffins and more. The clinic will feature show jumping on Sunday, March 24, and cross country on Monday, March 25. Spots are open for every level, Beginner Novice through Intermediate, and riders are welcome to participate on one ($150) or both ($250) days. Lunch is provided.

We’re all excited to cheer on Selena and “Woody,” a 16-year-old Canadian Sport Horse (Rio Bronco W X Evita II xx, by Abacus xx) bred by Epstein Equestrian and owned by John and Judy Rumble, and they’re in fighting form. The pair is fresh off a win in the Red Hills CCI4*-S, where they were one of only two pairs to catch the optimum time on Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course, becoming the only pair in the 21-year history of the event to ever make the time twice in the CCI4*-S.

Foxwood High looks back at the Badminton main arena moments after posting a massive personal best dressage score of 26.4. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Going faster on cross country has been a key goal for the pair, who jumped clear around Badminton last year with 16.4 time penalties and finished 24th overall. This year they will once again be based at Mark Todd’s yard in Wiltshire, with a planned run at Burnham Market as their final outing ahead of Badminton.

“I’m excited to see Burnham Market, which is a venue I’ve never competed at, and experience competing there. I want to soak up the whole experience, “Selena told EN at Red Hills. “Now that we know we can do Badminton, hopefully we can improve on our speed.”

For more information about Selena’s upcoming clinic, contact Derek Strine at (302)593-6682 or Jennifer Gallas at (586)531-6319 or email [email protected].

EN March Madness Bracket Breakdown: Round of 32, Part 1

By on Mar 19, 2019 10:30 am -

Event Horse March Madness: Round of 32, Part 1 (North America + Europe). Graphic by Leslie Wylie.

NCAA March Madness is upon us and, as we all know, brackets are the most fun. In college, a few friends and I would rank anything and everything: best TV show, best dog breed, best sports movie (A League of Their Own was the obvious winner, but it ultimately lost out to Rocky in a stunning upset).

We would not rest until we’d come to a definitive conclusion. Unfortunately, these were not horse people so the category of best event horse never came up, until now. Now, thanks to the Internet, we can solve this problem for 2018 and figure out the people’s choice for top event horse.

So here are few match-ups to keep an eye on for the Round of 32: Part 1, as posted on EN yesterday. Voting for this round is open through midnight tonight, so cast your ballot today!

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE 

Photos by Leslie Threlkeld.

This is the toughest choice of Round 1. Ingrid Klimke‘s partner SAP Hale Bob OLD has been a consistent top performer at four-star level and is always a force. The last international for “Bobby” was the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, where he held the lead heading into show jumping only to have the final fence, landing them the individual bronze medal. This horse is the complete package and has results that speak for themselves, including domination of the European Championships in 2017.

German teammates Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH also won the entire WEG outright. No one came close to him in the dressage phase and an unfortunate 20 on cross country kept him out of the medal game this year. Chipmunk has won many big three-star events including Bramham, as well as only being out of the top 10 four times in five years of international competition.

Keep in mind, Chipmunk is only 11 while Hale Bob is a seasoned 15. Who knows what Chipmunk will look like in four years, especially with his new rider, some up and coming German guy….

POSSIBLE UPSETS

Photos by Leslie Threlkeld.

Phillip Dutton has called Z one of the best he’s ever sat on. That is quite a bold statement coming from the 55-year-old former Australian, who has sat on what seems like innumerable amounts of horses. If Z was coming up against another opponent, I would say he would sail through, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s not to underestimate the Canadians.

Fresh off a win in the Red Hills CCI4*-S, Selena O’Hanlon‘s ride Foxwood High is already on a roll this year and is no doubt one of the most popular horses in eventing right now. While being a gorgeous mover and jumper, “Woody” has got the air of a gentle giant — so all those little kids dreaming of eventing glory cannot help but be drawn to him. As the top Canadian contender, Z might have a challenge to get to the second round!

Photos by Leslie Threlkeld/Shelby Allen.

In 2018 Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg captured our hearts at Kentucky. “Thomas” finished just outside the top 10 with only two time faults on cross country and one rail on Sunday. That’s an impressive debut. Unfortunately, at WEG Thomas broke our hearts a little bit with a stop on cross country. This one mistake maybe has opened the door for an underdog to beat him in this first round.

RF Cool Play is a relatively new ride for Lynn Symansky, but she has taken the time to get to know this talented young horse and in international competition they have never been outside of the top seven. Coolio and Lynn have never had a jump penalty, in cross country or show jumping, in any FEI event ever. “Coolio” is an up-and-coming superstar that could possibly beat out Thomas for a place in the second round.

The best part of March Madness is that you never know who could win, it’s literally anyone’s game. So get voting and get your friends on your side to see your favorite emerge victorious!

Badminton Entries Go Live with Four North American Pairs

By on Mar 19, 2019 8:30 am -

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High will return to Badminton in 2019. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Entries have been revealed for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, with 90 combinations entered and a further 24 pairs on the wait list, including two American pairs. The final field will have 85 combinations after the riders with more than two horses entered make their final selections on May 1.

Selena O’Hanlon and John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High are the sole pair entered for Canada and will make a second consecutive appearance at the event. Jenny Caras is entered for the U.S. with The Fernhill Fortitude Syndicate’s Fernhill Fortitude.

Two American pairs are on the wait list. Tamie Smith and Kevin Baumgardner’s Wembley are #5 on the waitlist. Woodge Fulton, who recently moved to Germany to work for Dirk Schrade, and the Full Moon Farm Syndicate’s Captain Jack are #15 on the wait list.

Last year’s winners Jonelle Price and Classic Moet will return to defend their title, challenged by a strong Kiwi contingent that includes Burghley winners Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy, Andrew Nicholson and Swallow Springs, and Mark Todd and NZB Campino. Both Andrew and Mark are past Badminton winners.

The strong British contingent includes Burghley winners Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, Laura Collett and Mr Bass in his highly anticipated Badminton debut; and 2018 WEG team gold medalists Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser and Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul. Past winners William Fox-Pitt and Pippa Funnell also have multiple rides entered.

The two German entries include heavy favorites Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD, who won individual bronze at WEG last year and finished second at Badminton in 2015.

Australia’s entries include past Badminton winners Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh, as well as Chris Burton reunited with his 2018 WEG mount Cooley Lands.

The Irish contingent includes Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky, the individual and team silver medalists at WEG 2018 who come forward as strong contenders to take the win.

Click here to view the full entry list and wait list.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 19, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Ian Stark.

The cross country course for the Carolina International CCI & Horse Trials has taken shape this spring. Lead by course designer Ian Stark, course builders Levi Ryckewaert, Tyson Rementer and Jamie Gornall have gone above and beyond. Stay tuned for a course preview later this week for all the details.

National Holiday: National Certified Nursing Day

Events Opening This Week: Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test, MCTA H.T., Inc, Poplar Place Farm May H.T., The Event at Skyline

Events Closing This Week: The Fork at Tryon CCI4S/CCI3S/CCI2S & HT, CDCTA Spring H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Pine Hill Spring H.T., Spring Bay H.T.

Tuesday News:

Don’t miss this sweet story! Gary, a dressage-bred gelding, nearly died as a foal due to an infection. He climbed his way back to good health, but decided he didn’t want to play in the sandbox. Now, he’s qualified for the Pan American Games in eventing. [Gary the foal who nearly died goes on to win international event]

The Land Rover Horse of the Year competition wrapped up in New Zealand this weekend after six days of action. This is a complete display of horse sport, with classes for eventers, show jumpers, dressage and Standardbreds. [NZ Horse of the Year show wraps up in Hastings]

Khaled Mustafa was among those who sadly lost their lives in the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand last week. Originally born in Syria, Khaled was a beloved farrier. EN sends our condolences to his family. [Syrian-Born Farrier And Son Among Victims In Christchurch Mosque Shooting]

Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled to catch your horse in the field. We’ve all been there at least once. Tik Maynard shares his tips with the horse in mind. [What To Do When You Can’t Catch Your Horse … And It’s Not Funny Anymore]

Tuesday Video: 

Know Your FEI Rules: Runout Definition and Flag Penalty Changes for 2019

By on Mar 18, 2019 4:07 pm -

With the FEI competition season now in full swing throughout much of the world, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of rule changes in effect for 2019. Click here for a basic summary of all the new FEI rules.

The FEI also released a memo addressing changes to Rule 549.2 Run out – missing a flag. Under the new wording of the rule, a runout (20 penalties) occurs when the body of the horse — including the head, neck, shoulders and pelvis, but excluding the legs — does not pass between the “extremities of the element or obstacle as originally flagged.” Horses must jump over the full height of the fence as originally flagged.

The FEI provided the following example photo of what is considered a runout under the new wording of the rule. “The picture below clearly shows the body of the horse not passing the extremities of the obstacle as originally flagged,” so 20 penalties would be awarded for a runout under the new wording of the rule.

After picking up a runout as defined above, the rider must circle back around and successfully jump the obstacle. Continuing on after a runout will result in elimination.

Missing a flag now results in 15 penalties and occurs if the horse jumps the dimension of the obstacle, but some part of the body is not inside the flags, such as one shoulder, or one shoulder and part of one hip.

If the horse’s body — head, neck, shoulders and pelvis, but excluding the legs — clears the full height of the obstacle but is not fully inside the jump as originally flagged, then 15 penalties are given for missing a flag.

Note that if more than 50% of the horse’s body is outside the jump as originally flagged, this would be considered a runout instead of missing a flag. 

The FEI provided the following example photo of what would be considered missing a flag under the new wording of the rule, as the horse’s body is not fully inside the original position of the flags.

The FEI noted that in the case of missed flags, the ground jury and technical delegate have discretion to mark the rider as clear, thus “giving benefit of the doubt to the athlete.”

A jumping effort is considered clear if the body of the horse — head, neck, shoulders and pelvis, but excluding the legs — passes the fence as originally flagged. If the back and front of the horse is inside the original position of the flags, but one or more legs of the horse or rider knocks the flag, this is still considered clear.

In other words, do this:

In response to frequently asked questions regarding the new wording of the rule, the FEI clarified that:

  • Combinations can be penalized with 15 penalties multiple times on course for missing flags.
  • If a rider jumps clear between the flags but thinks he/she is outside the flags and circles back around to jump the fence again, the rider will not receive any jumping penalties or face elimination, even if the horse runs out or breaks a frangible pin on the second attempt. Only any accumulated time penalties would be added to the score.
  • Riders can no longer ask the fence judge if the horse jumped between the flags.

Clear as mud? Click here to read the FEI’s full memo on what constitutes a runout and missing a flag under the 2019 rules.

Event Horse March Madness: The Bracket Begins! Round of 32, Part 1

By on Mar 18, 2019 3:00 pm -

Round of 32, Part 1: North America and Europe. Who should advance to the round of 16? You decide! Photos by EN.

Gather round the water cooler — it’s time for March Madness, EN-style! This year 32 of the world’s top ranked event horses are squaring off in a NCAA Tournament inspired bracket to determine the fiercest eventer in the land.

How it’s seeded: To avoid petty squabbling amidst our chinchilla selection committee, we have objectively seeded the bracket according to the final 2018 WBFSH Rankings. Included in the bracket are the highest ranked eight horses from each of four regions: North America, UK/Ireland, Europe and Australia/New Zealand. The higher the points earned in 2018 (and 2018 alone), the higher the seed. The six winners of CCI4* events in 2018 as well as the 2018 World Champion received automatic top seed buy-in.

Determination of winner: Popular vote!
Round of 32, Part 1: Monday, March 18
Round of 32, Part 2: Wednesday, March 20
Sweet 16: Monday, March 25
Elite 8: Monday, April 1
Final 4: Friday, April 5
Championship: Monday, April 8

Today’s match-ups: We’ve divided the Round of 32 into two parts: Part 1 is North America and Europe; Part 2 is UK and AUS/NZL. For today, we’re looking at some well-matched rivalries — I feel bad pitting some of these North American horses against each other — as well as some big potential upsets … 2018 Pau CCI4* winner Siniani de Lathus may be the #1 seeded Europe horse, but can he really hold his own against #8 seeded fischerRocana FST? We’ll find out soon enough! Check out the bracket and then cast your vote in the polls below.

Go Eventing.

 

 

 

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: It’s Budweiser Baby Season

By on Mar 18, 2019 12:00 pm -

Carly – First Foal 2019

World, meet Carly, our first foal born this year! 🐎Here she is taking some of her first steps. Who wants to meet her on March 23rd when we open for the season? Get your tickets at www.warmspringsranch.com.

Posted by Warm Springs Ranch on Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Okay, okay, I know — this is Eventing Nation. We’re supposed to present you with awesome, funny, crazy videos of people galloping and jumping or at the very least doing some fancy prancing. But some videos are just too cute to ignore. Case in point: this short video of Carly, the first Budweiser Clydesdale born this season at Warm Springs Ranch, Budweiser’s breeding facility in Boonville, Missouri

Those fuzzy ears. That bitty little tail. Those adorable baby bucks. Squee! Can someone tell me what size girth a Clydesdale might wear and if Total Saddle Fit might make one that big? Asking for a friend ….

KER Weekend Winners: Ocala, Pine Top, MeadowCreek Park, Copper Meadows

By on Mar 18, 2019 9:00 am -

Cheers to a full-swing weekend of eventing from coast to coast. Be sure to check out our in-depth, video-packed upper-level report here.

A few special shout-outs! First, congrats to our lowest scoring finishers in the country this weekend — Meg Pellegrini and RF Eloquence, who won the Prelim Rider B division at Copper Meadows on a score of 19.1. Meg also topped the Prelim Rider A division with wonderpony/new mum-by-proxy Ganymede.

We saw two more double blue ribbon winners at Copper Meadows in Jordan Linstedt, who won Open Preliminary with Staccato and Open Training with ROR Lisbane Finch; Tamie Smith won the Advanced combined test with Mai Baum and Open Novice with Cooley Starstruck. We had one triple (!!!) blue ribbon winner at Ocala in Kurt Martin, who won Training Horse B with Don Chacco, Novice Horse A with Camouflage, and Novice Horse B with Space Ranger.

A couple of belated high-fives are owed to winners of the first Charles Owen Technical Merit competition of the year, Pine Top H.T. held Feb. 21-24. The Junior Charles Owen Technical Merit Award went to Campbell Jones and Patras VR, who finished fourth in their division. The Adult Amateur Charles Owen Technical Merit Award went to Alison Kroviak and Dolce, who finished third in their division. Get to know these two deserving riders on the USEA website here. Over the course of the year, the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award will be presented at one event in each of the 10 USEA Areas, rewarding riders for their safe and effective cross country riding. Click here to learn more.

Many thanks to our great sponsor Kentucky Equine Research for sponsoring this series. Speaking of winning, KER is hosting a drawing for the winner’s choice of Ecogold saddle pad (up to retail value $300). To enter, just sign up at https://ker.com/sweepstakes/ before April 30.

And now, your weekend winners!

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Final Scores]
Advanced Combined Test: Alexa Lapp & Cambalda (35.9)
Intermediate Horse: Kylie Lyman & Xuanatu (34.6)
Intermediate Rider: Heather Jane Morris Jos & UFO De Quidam (45.9)
Open Intermediate: Lauren Kieffer & Vermiculus (36.4)
Open Preliminary: Andrew Palmer & Tatendrang (27.6)
Open Preliminary 1-Day A: Sharon White & Claus 63 (42.1)
Open Preliminary 1-Day B: Jonathan Holling & Prophet (29.0)
Preliminary Horse-A: Bethany Hutchins-Kristen & Geluk HVF (35.6)
Preliminary Horse-B: Robert Meyerhoff & Gorsehill Zulu (30.2)
Preliminary Rider-A: Maddie McElduff & Tupelo (38.1)
Preliminary Rider-B: Denise Goyea & Quickest (35.5)
Preliminary Rider-C: Michelle Mercier & Prince of Kiltealy (40.1)
Jr. Training Rider: Alyssa Lambert & Timothy (33.2)
Modified-A: Katie Malensek & Landjaeger (30.5)
Modified-B: Anna Kjellstrom & Kazoo (29.3)
Open Training-A: Caroline Martin & Ingomar (35.5)
Open Training-B: William Ward & Gawain (26.1)
Open Training-C: Lindsey Stevenson & Chivalry (26.1)
Sr. Training Rider-A: Isabel Franklin & Moonstruck (27.7)
Sr. Training Rider-B: Cora Severs & Cuervo (28.5)
Training Horse-A: Kendyl Tracy & Bobbie Burns (23.0)
Training Horse-B: Kurt Martin & Don Chacco (23.2)
Training Horse-C: Elinor O’Neal & QC Wanderlust (24.5)
Jr. Novice Rider: Carly Payne & Race the Devil (30.7)
Novice Horse-A: Kurt Martin & Camouflage (27.1)
Novice Horse-B: Kurt Martin & Space Ranger (25.0)
Open Novice-A: Alexa Perkiel & Ron Reagan (29.5)
Open Novice-B: Clark Montgomery & Der Romany (20.7)
Sr. Novice Rider-A: Cindi Cauffman & Lamondale Florinia (24.1)
Sr. Novice Rider-B: Alyssa Cairo & Paddington (31.0)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Susan Martin & Alice Alice (24.5)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Karen Tomlinson & Regal Jewel II (28.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Caroline Martin & Touché (26.3)

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Had a pretty successful day on my favorite rocket ship 🛸💙

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Pine Top Spring H.T. [Final Scores]
Intermediate Rider: Katie Lichten & RF Luminati (29.5)
Open Intermediate: Caitlin Silliman & Ally KGO (29.0)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Hanna Grace Johnson & Urlanmore Beauty (41.9)
Open Preliminary-A: Erin Sylvester & Captivate (27.8)
Open Preliminary-B: Michael Pendleton & Carlsburg (28.0)
Preliminary Rider: Danielle Bolte & Diamond n the Rough (38.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Hannah Wright & Master Eli (33.1)
Open Training-A: Erin Flynn Mobley & Divine Legacy (29.5)
Open Training-B: Sydney Solomon & FE Mactan (30.2)
Preliminary / Training: Courtney Cooper & Excel Star If Never (30.2)
Sr. Training Rider: Paytin Schaeffer & Fernhill Legend (31.2)
Jr. Novice Rider: Lauren Meyers & Pog Mahome (37.7)
Open Novice-A: Sarah Kuhn & F.O.F. Grey Gatsby (27.1)
Open Novice-B: Valerie Pride & Slick Moves (23.8)
Sr. Novice Rider-A: Kathleen Bertuna & Millye’s Mojave (26.2)
Sr. Novice Rider-B: Elizabeth Kantra & Ivan (33.6)
Training / Novice: Emma Jenkins & Fernhill Armani (32.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Marissa Griffin & Hunter (32.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Alison Eastman-Lawler & Lexington II (27.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Jessica Katz & Fernhill Sylvus (30.3)

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Final Scores]
Open Preliminary: Emelie Lesher & Hotshot (42.0)
Jr. Training Rider: Livy Muntz & The Manager (37.0)
Open Training: Rene Rios & One Lark One Legend (30.9)
Preliminary / Training: Amy Clemmons & Glenlord’s Full Moon Fortune (47.8)
Sr. Training Rider: Courtenay Turner & Flying Private (41.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Kendall Miller & Elliott GS (33.8)
Open Novice: Becky Roper & Emerald Breeze (31.0)
Sr. Novice Rider: Elise Marshall & Ladies Man (34.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Elizabeth Honeycutt & Jos Baco (30.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Amy Becker & Claim The Lead (32.3)
Starter: Aynsleigh Fettig & Aisling Dugan (29.7)
YEH 4 year old: Kirsty Steel & Halcyon
FEH 4 year old: Jayne Lloyd & Diamond Davinity
FEH 3 year old: Ashley Aguilar & Flagmount’s Reflection
FEH 2 year old: Anna Pierce & AMP Chantilly Lace
FEH Yearling: Nikki Littrell & Starstruck Legacy

Copper Meadows H.T. [Final Scores]
Intermediate: Olivia Loiacono-Putrino & Waterford (36.9)
Open Preliminary: Jordan Linstedt & Staccato (23.3)
Preliminary Rider A: Meg Pellegrini & Ganymede (31.3)
Preliminary Rider B: Meg Pellegrini & RF Eloquence (19.1)
Open Training: Jordan Linstedt & ROR Lisbane Finch (29.3)
Training Rider A: Dorothy Hall & Lyrical Lightning (34.0)
Training Rider B: Brianne Maskus & Arizona Sweet (34.8)
Novice Rider A: Jodie Willow Maguire & Flint and Steel (25.5)
Novice Rider B: Tallis Dixon & Heritage Ailena (41.1)
Open Novice: Tamra Smith & Cooley Starstruck (31.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Rachael Gilmore & Danny Boy (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Adisyn Mary & Heinz 57 (40.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Kellerhouse & Reverie GWF (21.9)
CT Advanced: Tamra Smith & Mai Baum (22.4)
Introductory: Ava Chase & Remington III (30.6)

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

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Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Mar 18, 2019 12:01 am -

Phillip Dutton and Z, winners of The Fork CCI4*-S last year. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Entries for The Fork at Tryon CCI-S & Horse Trials close tomorrow, March 19. The event is running three FEI divisions (CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S) and USEA National levels from Beginner Novice to Advanced (including Modified!) on April 4-7 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

The FEI divisions are offering $30,000 in prize money. The CCI4*-S at The Fork has also been designated as a key event when it comes to selection for the 2019 U.S. Pan American Games team. Click here to read more about why you should get excited about The Fork. Click here to check out the Prize List and enter.

National Holiday: National Awkward Moments Day (Who comes up with these?)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Final Scores]

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Final Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Final Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

If you’re like me and think super grooms are the true heroes across all disciplines, then you’re always curious as to the items they consider essential to their craft. U.S. show jumper Andrew Kocher’s new groom, Steffi Uecker, hails from Germany and has fascinating insights to share. [What’s In My Ring Bag? 7 Items Andy Kocher’s Groom Won’t Leave The Barn Without]

Whether you attended the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field or watched via the live stream, this piece in The Aiken Standard is absolutely worth the read. “In his remarks to the crowd of 400 excited spectators and participants attending the event, Mayor Rick Osbon said it best: horses, trees and generosity are three of the defining hallmarks of the Aiken community.” [Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase a boon to the Aiken community]

Do you have questions regarding proactively managing your horse’s soundness and handling your own mental challenges in the ring? If you can get to Wellington, Florida on March 19, the “Mindful Approach to Horse & Rider” panel is definitely something you don’t want to miss. [Equine Tech Collaborative Presents, MASTERCLASS INNOVATION SERIES: A Mindful Approach to Horse and Rider]

Hylofit, a wearable device for horse and rider that delivers real-time heart rate information, is seeking a Sales Manager to join the team. This person will play an integral part in creating and implementing Hylofit’s sales strategy and launch plan execution. The locations being considered include New England, Mid-Atlantic and California. [Hylofit Sales Manager Job Description]

Your Monday Video:

Zach Brandt competed for the first time since breaking his leg in December. Thank you to David Frechette for this video of Zach’s triumphant return, plus many more videos from Ocala Winter II H.T. Welcome back, Zach!

Intermediate-ish Weekend Report: Copper Meadows, Ocala & Pine Top

By on Mar 17, 2019 6:59 pm -

While the booming Florida season is starting to wind down, the west coast is just getting started. It was a full weekend from start to finish — Here’s what happened across Ocala Winter II, Pine Top and Copper Meadows Winter H.T.

Both Ocala and Copper Meadows hosted Advanced combined tests. Alexa Lapp and Cambalda made their debut at the level as a pair and won with a dressage score of 31.5 and one rail down. Rebecca Hoos and Little Cruz were second, and Nita Sanfilippo was third with Alarmabull. Keep an eye out for these pairs this season!

On the west coast, heartthrob Mai Baum was the CT winner with Tamie Smith in the tack. He jumped clear and added .4 pesky time penalties to finish on 22.4. Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo had a successful outing for second place to finish on 35.6 after having one rail down. This was their final California competition before they head east once again for the Kentucky CCI5*-L.

Back in Ocala, Kylie Lyman and Xuanatu won the Intermediate Horse division. With the fastest cross country trip of the group, this pair added only 3.2 time penalties to finish on a score of 34.6. Buck Davidson, who was tied with Kylie for first after dressage, finished second with Victor B Z (49.4).

Heather Jane Morris turned the leaderboard around in the Intermediate Rider division. Riding Jos UFO De Quidam, Heather climbed her way from fifth after dressage to win the class after a clear show jump and 6.8 time penalties. Jackie LeMastus was second with Indian Mill.

The World Equestrian Games combination of Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus topped the Open Intermediate. “Bug” had another successful outing in a season where Lauren says he’s really maturing. He added 1.6 cross country time penalties to finish on 36.4. Ashlyn Dorsey came second with Stakkato II (38.2), and Leslie Law was third with JKF Vogue (38.5).

Olivia Loiacono-Putrino piloted her Waterford to win the Open Intermediate division at Copper Meadows. Adding 11.2 time penalties on cross country landed had them finish on a score of 36.9. Second place went to Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah who had 13.2 cross country time penalties added to their result. Phiero SR claimed third with Bunnie Sexton in his debut at the level. Finishing cross country  on the exact same time as your winners, they closed the weekend on 49 points.

Katie Lichten and Caitlin Silliman were the big winners at Pine Top Farm.

Cross country time penalties shuffled the results in the Intermediate Rider division, but Katie and RF Luminati held their wire-to-wire lead to finish at the top on a score of 43.5. William Kidwell and Tremolo laid down the fastest ride with only 1.2 time penalties, and for this they were rewarded with second place (44.7). The Litchten family dominated this class with Katie’s sister, Maddie Lichten, finishing third with Yarrow (48.7).

Caitlin and Ally KGO topped the Open Intermediate from start to finish as well. They were the only Intermediate pair to finish on a sub 30 score (29). Boyd Martin was second with Tsetserleg after having one rail and 2.4 time penalties.

Go Eventing.