Classic Eventing Nation

10 Deep Thoughts from Ocala

By on Mar 12, 2019 3:00 pm -

In December EN blogger and Vermont eventer Kate Rakowski spread her snowbird wings and flew south to Ocala, Florida with her horse, Kissa. The mission: training with Tik Maynard. Today, with just two weeks left down south,  she reports back with some Ocala life lessons learned. Read Kate’s previous blog posts here. 

Smiling at sunrise in a great hat. Must be jump judging. Photo courtesy of Kate Rakowski.

  1. MTG and Chlorhexidine are good and you can put Dex in your Desitin for scratches/summer sores/rain rot, but the prescription meds are really the only thing that’s strong enough for Florida crud.
  2. Area 3 eventers are really friendly too and everyone loves my $.65 hat.
  3. When you take it easy for a little while you realize just how busy and frazzled almost everyone is, and you know that’s how you are back in reality. You wonder if that’s really a good way to live and what your animals think about you rushing around all the time. Check out this really good article that came across my news feed recently.
  4. Even when you run away to Florida with your horse and try to escape, your life and all its baggage follows you. You still have to worry about money, and where you want to live and what you’re going to do with your life and how to balance family and horses.
  5. Volunteering is actually selfish — it’s so fun to see who’s doing what and, if you’re as extroverted as me, it’s really fun to chat with horse people all day. Plus you get schooling passes so you and your horse can finally go play at all the places.
  6. Big name eventers are super friendly and real people too. Sharon White invited me to visit her place after chatting all day. Even Jessica Phoenix, when she’s riding her cute but tense mare laments, “Why do we have to follow the big floaty chestnut.” Words that have come out of my mouth. I held the Bad Eventer’s phone and whip for her a few times and I didn’t even go crazy fan girl on her but she was really nice.
  7. New favorites: horse name — Alfredo Saucy Pants (if anyone knows the people who have this horse, I want to meet them); Thoroughbred stallion — Saketini (he’s gorgeous, scopey and soooo quiet and kind); dressage test to watch — Snow Leopard doing Intermediate so relaxed that his lop ears were flapping.
  8. There’s no feeling like that first cross country school after a long break from it when your horse is now more rideable and braver because of the work you’ve done with her.
  9. Eosinophilic Keratitis and eye problems in general suck. If you come to Florida, get your horse insured so your vet bills don’t start to exceed your mortgage for the year.
  10. Everyone is somewhere on the 1-10 “F@#k it, I’m out of here” scale; many people are living above an 8. This number changes daily. And even when you’re in fantasy land, you’ll start to feel this way and that’s how you know it’s time to go home.

#EventerProblems Vol. 174, Presented by Haygain: Springing Forward

By on Mar 12, 2019 1:00 pm -

Fresh horses, fresh mud, fresh haircuts, fresh sunburn … but hey, we’re not complaining! Let’s celebrate some springtime #EventerProblems, which we’ll take over winter #EventerProblems any day.

Of course, some people’s idea of a spring heat wave is a little chillier than others.

Spring will come for you soon, northern friends! Here’s a sneak peek at what you have to look forward to:

View this post on Instagram

😂😂gotta have a laugh sometimes

A post shared by alicia b swinton (@alicia.swinton.equestrian) on

Go Eventing.

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

Fab Freebie: Alexus Breeches from SmartPak

By on Mar 12, 2019 11:00 am -

The all new Alexus Breeches from SmartPak.

EN is teaming up with SmartPak to give a pair of the new and improved Alexus Breeches to one lucky reader! If you’re a fan of SmartPak’s Piper and Hadley Breeches, the Alexus Breeches take all the features you love to the next level.

The fabric offers four-way stretch, breathability and compression, and is bonded to blend a lightweight, cooling outer layer with a soft inner layer that makes the breeches super comfortable to wear. The breeches also have rapid sweat-wicking and water-resistant qualities. You can also expect excellent shape retention and durability.

The Alexus Breeches have an ergonomic sock-bottom; a wide, low-rise waistband; front and rear pockets; a flattering Euro seat; contrasting pocket details; and silver rivets to give a bit of bling. They are available in charcoal, navy and white, with a retail price of $139.95 for the knee patch style and $149.95 for the full seat style.

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries will close at midnight EST on Saturday, and we will announce the winner in News & Notes. The winner will have a choice of Alexus knee patch or full seat breeches. Good luck! Go Eventing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s Discuss: Paperless Dressage Scoring?

By on Mar 12, 2019 9:00 am -

From online bank statements to emailed retail receipts, it seems like everybody is working toward going “paperless” these days. It might be bad news for Dunder Mifflin …

… but it’s good news for the environment and those of us (me!) who have a hard enough time remembering what day of the week it is, much less keep track of a piece of paper.

Last week I heard about an Australian company called Nominate, which in some ways functions like EventEntries or the USEA’s StartBox here in the States in that it processes online event entries and hosts live scoring. In addition, however, it offers a LiveScore Dressage app that replaces a traditional paper test sheet.

The app, which is downloadable via Google Play or Apple, displays dressage results online in real time on a movement by movement basis. Spectators can follow along with the trending percentage and potential final placing, similar to what you’d see on the scoreboard during a dressage test at a major event. Once the digital test sheet is signed by the judge, it is sent to the rider — a feedback loop so efficient that riders might have the test in their inbox before they’ve even gotten off their horse.

Screenshots from the LiveScore Dressage app on Google Play.

Benefits of live score dressage vs. traditional paper scoring:

  • Easy to use, streamlined process.
  • Judges can review full test before signing.
  • Works in online and offline mode.
  • Riders get sent their tests as soon as the judges sign the digital test sheet.
  • Virtual scoreboard function keeps audience engaged.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Eliminates need for runners and scorers
  • No more lost dressage test sheets.

EN event organizers, competitors and fans — time to chime in! Is paperless dressage scoring something you would use if available? Alternately, if you have a soft spot for paper dressage tests, do you have a system for keeping up with them as opposed to losing them immediately to the abyss?

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 12, 2019 12:01 am -

Taking a canter around the Carolina Horse Park. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Carolina International Organizing Committee has been hard at work to ensure the cross country at the Carolina Horse Park is only the best quality. Since last year, they’ve opened new galloping lanes by clearing trees, and even more impressively, the FEI tracks have been roped off since last fall so that they can be best maintained for competition. Knowlbrook Farms deserves many thanks for their management of the “sacred ground.” Check out this video they shared from a few weeks ago:

Cross Country Course footing enhancements!

The cross country tracks are in unprecedented condition in preparation for the Carolina International and the Southern Pines Horse Trials with new and improved galloping lanes, extensive tree removal and ongoing seeding & fertilization. Most importantly, the FEI tracks have been roped off since last fall with no access as required to preserve and improve the ground for March 2019. Thank you to Knowlbrook Farms for taking on all management of our sacred ground. Enjoy this video shot on Feb 25, 2019!

Posted by Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial on Tuesday, March 5, 2019

National Holiday: National Girl Scout Day

Events Opening This Week: University of New Hampshire Spring H.T., Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T., Fresno County Horse Park H.T., St. Johns H.T., University of New Hampshire Spring H.T.

Events Closing This Week: Morven Park Spring H.T., Rocking Horse Spring H.T., Full Gallop Farm March II H.T., Texas Rose Horse Park H.T., Galway Downs International H.T.

Tuesday News: 

Without the luxury of Florida to escape to, our friends in the UK had to patiently wait for better weather to kick off their season. In the last few weeks, top horses have had their first runs across Tweseldown and Oasby. [Three British gold medallists, a Badminton winner and 14 other superstars starting their eventing season]

Santa Anita Park may reopen as soon as March 22. It closed “indefinitely” on March 5 following a spate of deaths, and the surface has since been analyzed and “worked on.” The track will also implement new safety protocols including required permission application to train a horse, the requirement of transparent veterinary records and  the appointment of a new Director of Equine Welfare. [Santa Anita Main Track Could Re-Open for Racing March 22]

FEI Competitors be aware: clipping of horses legs on site of a competition is no longer allowed. The rule went into effect January 1, and restricts leg clipping only when the horse is physically on site. There are veterinary exemptions. [Clipping legs at shows no longer allowed under FEI rules]

Tuesday Video:

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Michael Jung Reaches New Heights in Show Jumping

By on Mar 11, 2019 4:00 pm -

SIGNAL IDUNA Cup Dortmund

Krönender Abschluss für Michael Jung und fischerChelsea! 🎊🏆 Nach drei souveränen Siegen an den Vortagen gewinnt Michi Jung nun auch den Großen Preis der Bundesrepublik des diesjährigen SIGNAL IDUNA CUP in Dortmund! Zur Prüfung geht es hier:▶️ watch.clipmyhorse.tv/SignalIdunaCupDortmund

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Sunday, March 10, 2019

We all know the incredible successes that Michael Jung and his horses have achieved in eventing (you know, little things like the Grand Slam of Eventing and back-to-back individual Olympic gold medals) — is the same level of success on the horizon for him in show jumping?

Yesterday, Michi celebrated the biggest success in his show jumping career to date: a win in the CSI4* Grand Prix at Germany’s Signal Iduna Cup aboard fischerChelsea, a 11-year-old Westfalian mare (Check In X Argentia E, by Argent) owned by Sabine and Klaus Fischer and the Jung family. I don’t speak German, so I have no idea what the commentator is saying in this video (although I think I caught ‘Hallelujah!’ at one point) but watch his winning jump off round and let his riding speak for itself!

Who Jumped It Best? Red Hills Cross Country Edition

By on Mar 11, 2019 1:00 pm -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Red Hills Cross Country Edition! Take a look at these photos of horses and riders jumping into the second water complex on Mike Etherington-Smith’s Advanced/CCI4*-S course at Red Hills International Horse Trials. Then vote for which pair you think presents the best overall picture in the poll at the bottom of the post.

#RedHills: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jon Holling and Dushi Terma. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Kyra. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emma Partridge and Max Attack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Gaby Ruane and Lismakeera Brewski. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Spring Gulch H.T. Announces Exciting Venue Upgrades for 2019

By on Mar 11, 2019 12:00 pm -

Photo via the Spring Gulch H.T. Facebook page.

With its wide open spaces, big blue skies and dramatic mountain backdrops, Spring Gulch Horse Trials is one of Area IX’s most beloved events. Held bi-annually in Littleton, Colorado, Spring Gulch has been attracting a small but enthusiastic community of eventers since the event began some 30 years ago (check out the USEA’s great profile of the event from its “USEA Events A-Z” series here).

Improvements to the event and venue have been continuous, as per the vision of the Mountain States Eventing Association, Central Colorado Chapter. Last week Spring Gulch announced some exciting upgrades for the 2019 events, which take place May 18-19 and Aug. 10-11 and will offer Intro through Preliminary levels.

Spring Gulch has appointed a new organizer and cross-country course designer in Andy Bowles, an FEI 2* course designer, FEI 3* Technical Delegate, and organizer of Virginia Horse Trials. His experience in many facets of the sport will provide Spring Gulch with guidance and support as positive changes to the competition are pursued. 

“Myself and the team at Spring Gulch are committed to making this competition the best it has ever been. We are focused on our clients and meeting their needs,” Bowles said.

This year, competitors can look forward to a totally revised cross-country track designed by Bowles, which will now take place in a different area of the property. The course features a newly constructed water complex. Measuring 80×80, the new water will be able to be jumped from many approaches, providing the ability to have appropriate questions for all levels.

“To relocate all of the cross-country to the far side of the gulch required a new water jump, something I was told by some locals would not be allowed given the constraints on the property. The board and I just saw this as a challenge, which was met, and the new water jump was built in December,” Bowles said.

In addition to a fresh cross-country experience, competitors will enjoy newly painted fences, an enlarged parking area, and stabling accommodations organized by Spring Gulch at the nearby Colorado Horse Park. 

More information is available at http://msea-ccc.org/. You can also find Spring Gulch Horse Trials on Facebook.

[Spring Gulch Horse Trials Announces Venue Upgrades for the 2019 Season]

KER Weekend Winners: Red Hills, Southern Pines, Full Gallop

By on Mar 11, 2019 9:00 am -

I think it’s safe to say that, officially, spring eventing season is in full swing! The Southeast saw the most competition action over the weekend, between Red Hills International and horse trials at Southern Pines and Full Gallop Farm.

An extra high-five to the pair who posted the lowest finishing score in the country this weekend: Jennie Brannigan and Hopscotch, who won the Open Preliminary division at Red Hills on their dressage score of 22.7.

Here are your weekend winners!

Southern Pines H.T. [Results]
Advanced Combined Test: Will Faudree & PFun (33.6)
Intermediate Combined Test: Becky Holder & WL Bourbon Street (26.4)
Preliminary Combined Test: Andrew McConnon & Harry (34.4)
Open Preliminary: Will Faudree & Hans Dampf (26.7)
Preliminary Rider: Carrie Mulks & Riddle Master (43.6)
Preliminary Rider Junior Young Rider: Katherine DeLaney & Canto Royale (32.5)
Open Training: Ashley Adams & Coroniro (24.1)
Training Combined Test: Charles Plumb & Imperial Phillip (33.2)
Training Rider: Allison Sandifer & Uptoheavnnbakagain (24.1)
Training Rider Junior: Ian Payne & Danger Ranger (29.1)
Novice Combined Test: Grace Steinhagen & Top Pride (26.0)
Novice Rider-A: Cynthia Holbrook & Blue Ridge Breckinridge (25.0)
Novice Rider-B: Cami Pease & Vibrant (28.3)
Novice Rider Junior: Finley Habenicht & Aleta NSF (32.4)
Open Novice-A: Nobie Cannon & Asante (28.1)
Open Novice-B: Michelle Frazier & Raucous Caucus (26.6)
Beginner Novice Combined Test: Madison Stancil & Tardy’s Tuff Dino (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Phyllis Hardgrove & Rock Party (32.0)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Jane DeMeulemester & FGF Lyford (28.5)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Grace Fiedler & Fanfare VT (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Susan Beebee & Future King (34.5)

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Results]
Intermediate: Monica Fiss & Malibu Rock (47.5)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Kristine Burgess & Twoggeron (49.9)
Preliminary-A: Kate Brown & Carnaby (30.0)
Preliminary-B: Isabel Finemore & Rutherglen (30.7)
Preliminary/Training: Julia Spatt & 5o1 Macintosh (45.7)
Training-A: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick & Ferris Bueller (40.7)
Training-B: Ashley Stout & Avant Garde (24.5)
Training/Novice: Kaitlin Hartford & FGF Gray Not Bay (35.7)
Novice-A: Kyle Smith & The Flying Dutchman (27.4)
Novice-B: Noa Crowley & Charlie’s Angel (29.5)
Beginner Novice-A: Alison Eastman Lawler & Lexington II (28.1)
Beginner Novice-B: Corinna Garcia & P.H. Lev Livet (28.1)
Starter: Aisling Carroll & LNJ Encyclopedia (35.3)
New Event Horse: Kaitlin Hartford & FGF Siena Indian
Young Event Horse 4 Year old: Missy Miller & Amazing Mi
Young Event Horse 5 year old: Katie Cummings & FGF Silver Roadster

Red Hills CCI & H.T. [Results]
CCI4*-S: Selena O’Hanlon & Foxwood High (30.8)
CCI3*-S: Jessica Phoenix & Bentley’s Best (29.0)
CCI2*-S: Lynn Symansky & Global Cassero 3 (25.2)
Advanced: Boyd Martin & Kyra (32.2)
Open Intermediate: Felix Vogg & Archie Rocks (25.9)
Open Preliminary: Jennifer Brannigan & Hopscotch (22.7)
Preliminary Rider: Zach Ketelboeter & That Hit the Spot (44.9)

View this post on Instagram

Congratulations to Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High!

A post shared by Red Hills Horse Trials (@redhillshorsetrials) on

View this post on Instagram

All smiles for Lynn Symansky riding Global Cassero 3.

A post shared by Red Hills Horse Trials (@redhillshorsetrials) on

View this post on Instagram

Your RHHT advanced winners are Boyd Martin and Kyra!

A post shared by Red Hills Horse Trials (@redhillshorsetrials) on

Congrats to all. Go Eventing.

Prepare for green spring grass with EquiShure®. Studies at Kentucky Equine Research support the use of a hindgut buffer in cases of high grain and high fructan intake. EquiShure’s unique encapsulation ensures targeted release directly in the hindgut. Learn more.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Mar 11, 2019 12:01 am -

View this post on Instagram

Before and after …

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartin007) on

You read the story (“Boyd Martin Bounces Back from Broken Collarbone to Win Red Hills Advanced“), but these pics from Boyd’s Instagram are worth an extra thousand words. And these comments? Priceless.

  • So, what time are you riding today?
  • At least both sides match now?
  • We can rebuild him. We have the technology. Stronger, faster, more likely to set off a metal detector
  • Now you’re balanced
  • Who doesn’t like a pair
  • You will literally be the first robot
  • Bi-lateral wing stabilizers. Just what you needed!
  • #bionicboydo
  • Had to go for the matching set
  • You should open a hardware store
  • Crap

Catch up on EN’s complete coverage from Red Hills International here. Go Boyd. Go Eventing.

National Holiday: National Napping Day

Major Events:

Red Hills CCI & H.T. [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Twitter] [EN’s Instagram]

U.S. Weekend Results:

Southern Pines H.T. [Results]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Results]

News & Notes:

Ocala Winter II H.T. at the Florida Horse Park needs volunteers for its upcoming event. From cross country jump decorating beforehand to myriad jobs during the event (March 14-17), help is greatly appreciated and there are job perks as well — volunteers get credit towards a future show or cross country schooling, as well as lunch, drinks, snacks, shirts, pilsner glasses and, of course, eternal gratitude! Sign up for the position of your choice online. [EventingVolunteers.com]

Have questions about professional vs. amateur USEA membership status? The USEA breaks down what does and does not make a rider an amateur or professional, per criteria outlined in GR1306 of the USEF Rules for Eventing. [Rule Refresher: Declaring Amateur Status]

Horses competing under FEI rules are no longer allowed to have their legs clipped while on site at a competition. The change, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, is an update to the FEI’s policy to help combat “hypersensitive” or “hyposensitive” areas of the body of equine athletes. Horse & Hound gets the scoop. [Clipping Legs at Shows No Longer Allowed Under FEI Rules]

Red Hills International H.T. is a community affair, and the local media always shows up in full force to cover the event. While it may be written more for the layperson than those who us fluent in “eventer,” the Tallahassee Democrat posted some stories and videos online from the weekend that are worth checking out. [Final Day at Red Hills Horse Trials Reshuffles Rankings]

Best of Horse Nation: ‘Why Go With a Thoroughbred?’: Meet Casey & Alvie

Best of Jumper Nation: RNC the OTTB: Staying in Your Lane

Featured Videos: After covering high performance at Red Hills International all weekend, let’s shine the spotlight on a division wherein, while the jumps may be smaller, the hearts are just as big. Congrats to these Intro level winners from last weekend’s Twin Rivers H.T. in Paso Robles, California — check out their cross country performances, courtesy of RideOnVideo!

Michelle Vonderhaar and Piper, winners of the Intro A division:

Shelby Spangenberg and Red Baron, winners of the Intro B division: