Classic Eventing Nation

Red Hills Dressage Day: Hannah Sue Burnett Bests CCI4*-S + Much More

By on Mar 8, 2019 5:57 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot set the tone early in the day in the CCI4*-S at Red Hills International Horse Trials CCI4*-S here in Tallahassee, Florida, and never relinquished their lead, topping the division at the conclusion of dressage on 26.4.

In four career completions at Red Hills, Hannah and “William,” a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Cruising X Shannon, by Catch On Fire) owned and bred by Jacqueline Mars, have finished no lower than seventh, including winning the CCI4*-S in 2017.

“He felt right at home in there and went right to work,” Hannah said. “I thought it was a bit of a steady test in the trot work, but it was really consistent, and the canter work was nice. I’ve been working on getting the frame up more and push him up into that, and it felt like it was quite good today.”

As for her thoughts on tackling Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course tomorrow: “It looks challenging enough. I think Red Hills is always a really good eye-opener for the season. It gets you on track for the bigger events later in the year. They’ve done an amazing job in the preparations. All of the fences are beautifully presented.”

Hannah’s Plan A for William’s spring season is to run at The Fork at Tryon in preparation for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which would be the horse’s third appearance at Kentucky.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Selena O’Hanlon and John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High, a 16-year-old Canadian Sport Horse bred by Epstein Equestrian (Rio Bronco W X Evita II), sit in second place on 26.8, one of their best dressage scores at the level. “Woody” finished fourth last year and is EN’s pick to win this weekend as he gears up for a return trip to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May.

Felix Vogg and Jürgen Vogg’s Cayenne, impressed in the mare’s CCI4*-S debut, scoring 27.0 to sit in third place. The 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Careful X Baroness, by Bayron) is very green to the level, having only just stepped up at Rocking Horse Winter II H.T., but she won that event on her dressage score.

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Dunlough Striker X Atlantic Amanda, by Glidawn Diamond) owned by Frank Fletcher and Fletcher Farms, cracked into the 20s for the first time at three-star level and sit fourth on 27.7. Last year, Jacob and “Domino” sat 13th after dressage and ultimately finished second in the CCI4*-S with one of the fastest cross country rounds, so this is definitely a pair to watch closely tomorrow.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, her own 17-year-old Westphalian (Pavarotti van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland xx), scored 28.5 to round out the top five. “Rotti” finished fifth in the CCI4*-S at Red Hills last year.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin Dominates Advanced Dressage

Why simply lead the Advanced division when you can sweep the entire top three? Boyd Martin is dominating the 21-horse class, leading with The Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T on 25.5, sitting second on 27.8 with Christine Turner’s Kyra and third on 29.2 with Christine Turner’s On Cue.

Aside from a flub in the final flying change, Long Island T, a 13-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred (Ludwig von Bayern X Haupstsbuch Highlight, by Heraldik xx), delivered a solid test. “He’s getting stronger and stronger, and there’s definitely a couple more marks in there,” Boyd said.

“Ludwig” is qualified for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, but Boyd said he will see how the horse comes out feeling at the major prep events this spring before deciding to aim for the horse’s CCI5*-L debut or another CCI4*-L. “At the moment he’s oozing with confidence,” Boyd said.

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Canada Goes One-Two in CCI3*-S

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best scored 25.0 to lead the 53-horse CCI3*-S division on 25.0. “Benny,” an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding (Hirtentanz X Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, by Eichendorff) owned by the Bentley’s Best Group, is one of Jessica’s hopefuls for the 2019 Canadian Pan American Games team.

Lesley Grant-Law and Lady Chatterley, an 8-year-old Holsteiner (Connor 48 X Jucy, by Mytens xx) she owns with Jackie and Steve Brown, broke into the 20s for the first time in the mare’s international career to sit second on 28.2. This pair finished 11th in the Ocala Jockey Club International CCI3*-L last fall.

Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s Danger Mouse, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding by Kannan, sit third on 28.9. These two were named to Erik Duvander’s team for the North American Futures Team Challenge at Carolina International next month. Click here to learn more about the North American Futures Team Challenge, which is designed to complement the new U.S. Eventing Pathway Program.

Lynn Symansky Tops CCI2*-S with New Ride

Lynn Symansky and Global Cassero 3, an 8-year-0ld Hanoverian (Conteur X Wahida, by Windauch) owned by KC Eventing, snuck in as one of the final pairs to go in the 47-horse CCI2*-S division to lead on 25.2. Produced to the two-star level by Germany’s Ben Leuwer and Ireland’s Brian Morrison, “Jerry” is a new ride for Lynn, and she is currently looking for owners to join her in the journey.

Christina Henriksen, who recently returned home to the U.S. after training and competing in England for nearly four years, led the CCI2*-S for much of the day and ultimately sits second on 25.6 with JTH Zest, her own 8-year-old British-bred mare (Zamboucca X Maybee Baybee, by Mayhill).

Natasha Erschen and her own Fernhill Flutter, a 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Puissance X Warrior Queen, by Euphemism), cracked the 20s for the first time and sit third on a personal best score of 27.4.

More Facts You Need to Know

Looking to the other divisions, Felix Vogg and Jürgen Vogg’s Archie Rocks lead the Open Intermediate on 25.9. Felix bought “Archie,” an 11-year-old Thoroughbred (Le Monde X Unbridled Diva, by Unbridled Jet), from Maya Studenmund in December, following the horse’s third-place result in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI4*-L with Buck Davidson.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, a 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud LLC, delivered the lowest dressage score across all divisions today to top the Open Preliminary on 19.4 — the only score of the day in the teens.

Maddie McElduff and and her own Tupelo, a 10-year-old Trakehner mare (Baron Verdi X Thabana, by Buddenbrock) bred by Timothy Holekamp, lead the Preliminary Rider division on 30.0. Fun fact: This mare is a half-sister to Boyd Martin’s 2018 World Equestrian Games mount Tsetserleg, as both horses are out of the same dam.

Cross country starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST in this order: CCI2*-S, Open Preliminary, Preliminary Rider, Advanced, CCI4*S, CCI3*-S. Click here to view the order of go. There is no live stream, but EN will run live updates for the CCI4*-S, which starts at 12:07 p.m. Stay tuned for a full preview of Mike Etherington-Smith’s course. Go Eventing.

#RedHills: Website, Schedule, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Friday Video from SmartPak: An Accidental Pas-de-Deux

By on Mar 8, 2019 5:20 pm -

As eventers, we’re used to adopting a certain kind of mindset where the first phase of competition is concerned: that is, most us just want to get it over and done with so we can get to the fun bits. All too often, our horses seem to agree with us.

Britain’s Imogen Murray encountered something else entirely while competing at Oasby Horse Trials today: a horse that would rather be between the boards than out on course, thank you very much. The Lesser-Spotted Dressage Enthusiast is a rare breed — it’s estimated that there are probably less than a hundred breeding mares left in captivity, and all of them are too busy flicking their toes to produce any progeny, so hopes aren’t high for its longevity. But as Imogen rode through her Intermediate test with Roheryn Ruby, she was able to enjoy (?) a not-so-fleeting glimpse of one of the last remaining LSDEs in the wild. A nobler sight has surely never been seen, and the female mating call of “LOOOOOOSE HOOOOORSE” is music to any horse-spotter’s ears.

Quite remarkably, Imogen and the eleven-year-old Ruby managed to stay in the zone and on the pace, producing an impressive test for a score of 26.1. Imogen, with her impressive five-star results aboard top horse Ivar Gooden, has already cemented her title as One to Watch, but we’d like to join the Ruby fan club now too, please. Check out the video at your own peril — there’s officially no excuse to ever lose focus in a dressage test again once you’ve seen it.

Who Run the World: In Celebration of International Women’s Day

By on Mar 8, 2019 1:09 pm -

Reigning World Champion Ros Canter and Allstar B (GBR). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Happy International Women’s Day to all of you kick-butt equestrian ladies out there! We tip our helmet to you for going out there and pursuing your dreams. The beauty behind equestrian sports as a whole is that men and women get to compete on the same field, side-by-side as equals. So take a moment to cheer on your fellow lady riders today.

In addition to that moving tribute, the FEI also shared this video featuring the FEI Against All Odds award winner, Leila Malki from Palestine. Leila is a true example of women overcoming cultural stigmas to pursue their dreams and we think she is pretty darn cool.

Celebrate yourself today, ladies, and remember that there is no wrong way to be a woman!

Go Eventing.

A Massive Year for Luhmühlen: World Top 10 Eventers Weigh In

By on Mar 8, 2019 9:00 am -

2019 promises to be an electric year in the storied history of Luhmühlen. In addition to its annual CCI5*-L competition, Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (June 13-16), the German eventing venue will play host to the Longines FEI Eventing European Championships a couple months later (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1).

In over six decades running, Luhmühlen has hosted five European Championships (1975, 1979, 1987, 1999 and 2011) and one World Championship (1982). All eyes are on this year for another double serving of world-class eventing action, with preparations already underway.

Here’s what a few of the world’s top ranked eventers have to say about the sport, the venue and their plans for the year:

Oliver Townend – World No. 1
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The horses — they are the ultimate all round athletes.
Are you planning to compete at Luhmühlen this year?
I’m planning to come and aiming for the CCI5*-L, not sure about the horses yet.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Black Tie, as he loved it there and went so well – and the fantastic working arenas.

Ros Canter and Zenshera, 3rd place finishers at Luhmühlen 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ros Canter – World No. 2, reigning World Champion
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The relationship that your whole team gets with the horses, and learning all about the different personalities of the horses we get to ride. The feeling of pride and achievement when it goes well.
Obviously you won’t be competing at Luhmühlen (Ros is pregnant) this year, but are you planning to return next year?
Yes I would love to return again with Zenshera as it is his favourite event!
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Feeling very proud in the lap of honour of Zenshera for jumping a clear round in the show jumping last year to finish 3rd, and the lovely atmosphere that the crowd created.

Tim Price – World No. 3
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Partnership. The leading horses and riders have to demonstrate an incredibly broad range of skills. To do this successfully and consistently means the partnership is a real one.
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
I am planning to bring two horses to Luhmühlen this year — Ascona is aiming for the CCI5*-L and Falco is aiming for the CCI4*-S.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
I came on foot to support my then girlfriend (and now wife!) Jonelle in 2006. It was my first experience of German hospitality, plus it
was very hot that year, so the beer tasted very good!
The focus has often been on the rivalry between you and Jonelle, but how much do you actually support and rely on each other?
We are each other’s biggest drivers at the end of it all, pushing each other every day to improve. Without Jonelle I would not be where I am.

Michael Jung and Star Connection at Luhmühlen 2017. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Michael Jung – World No. 4
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The versatility is absolutely fascinating. It‘s such a challenge to train a horse for the three phases, so for me that’s part of the excitement. And obviously the cross country phase: the feeling of complete happiness after a great cross country round outshines every dressage or show jumping achievement.
Are you planning to ride at Luhmühlen this year?
Yes, I’m planning to ride the CCI5*-L and the CCI4*-S but at this stage I’m not sure which horse will compete in which class.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
There are many great eventing competitions but Luhmühlen and Kentucky are the only ones with perfect dressage and show jumping conditions for the horses. There are so many great memories, for example my first four-star win or winning at the European Championships in 2011. But an absolute highlight was competing in my first two-star at Luhmühlen with Sam many years ago. At the time I was still quite inexperienced, so it was a tremendous experience.

Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jonelle Price – World No. 7
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
There is nothing else in the world quite like it. It requires elegance, adrenalin, intensity, endurance, stamina, skill, heart, determination…
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
Sadly I am not planning to ride there this year.
What’s the first thing memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Winning last year!
The focus has often been on the rivalry between you and Tim, but how much do you actually support and rely on each other?
Eventing is one of very few sports in the world where men and woman compete on equal terms so it’s very unusual to have a married couple compete on the world stage against each other. So the rivalry factor is regularly at the forefront but behind the scenes we very much work as one unit. Whether it be planning, eyes on the ground, asking for some advice — we’ re constantly feeding off of one another.

Piggy French – World No. 8
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Eventing is the ultimate test of the horse and rider partnership so you really need a mutual trust and understanding to be successful. This makes for a really special relationship with the horses to get the best from them across three different disciplines.
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
Hopefully I will be selected to represent Team GB at the Europeans in 2019.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
I’ve been to Luhmühlen three times before and it’s been a good but not quite lucky place for me so far! I was leading the 4* on Flying Machine after cross country in 2011 but had fences down in the show jumping to finish 4th. I then won Team Bronze with Jakata at the Europeans in 2011, and finally had a really frustrating 50 penalties for a missed flag with Quarrycrest Echo in the 4* in 2018. I hope that one day I can come back to win the CCI5*-L!

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS, winners of Luhmühlen 2015. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ingrid Klimke – World No. 9
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The partnership and the trust between rider and horse is at its best in the cross country phase, training in nature and the wonderful competitions.
Are you planning to ride at Luhmühlen this year?
Yes, I’m planning to ride Asha P CCI4*-S in June and SAP Hale Bob OLD at the European Championships in August.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
For me, Luhmühlen is an outstanding event where riders and horses can compete in a terrific atmosphere. I used to love coming to the cross country day as a child. Watching Lucinda Prior-Palmer win the European Championships was extremely impressive.

Learn more at the website here.

[Top-Ten in Luhmühlen’s Focus]

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 8, 2019 12:03 am -

 

Midwinter mood. Photo by Days End Horse Farm Rescue.

My horse has this dumb thing going on, which is that he whacked his ankle one day in the field, and he’s a massive sweller, so it blew up like a balloon. He also is a tight rope walker, and a general doofy moron, so because it’s slightly bigger than usual, he keeps whacking it in turnout. He’s not lame, and there isn’t actually anything wrong with him other than swelling, but now he has to go out in a tiny field and have it wrapped so he stops hitting himself. Can somebody explain to him how stupid this is? Nothing is so resilient and yet so fragile as a horse.

National Holiday: International Woman’s Day

Major Weekend Events:

Red Hills CCI & HT: Website, Schedule, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

A tiny palomino mare winning at the Advanced level? We’re into it. Pandora, bred and owned by Laura Boyer, recently won her first Advanced horse trials at Twin Rivers just a few weeks ago. What she lacks in stature, she makes up for in heart and love of cross country. She started in the hunter and jumper rings, but has now found her true love in Eventing under the guidance of James Alliston. [Pandora Is More Than A Pretty Face]

Eventers from Greenville County, SC are rallying around trainer Janna Ritacco in order to preserve the Riverbend Equestrian Park. Used since 2011 as an incredible resource for equestrians everywhere, the REP has been a source of pony club events and ratings, schooling shows and clinics. The facility has served as the starting place for many young riders, as well as adults enjoying equestrian sports as well. The county is planning to terminate Janna’s lease and remove all equestrian activities from the facility, and the community is trying to save it. [Save Riverbend Equestrian Park]

CDCTA has announced a $1500 prize for the Novice level for the 2019 Spring Horse Trials. Awarded to the top four low score Novice entrants across all divisions, you must be a current CDCTA member to be eligible. Get ready Novice riders! You also must be present for awards wearing your dressage attire for photos. [CDCTA Novice Cash Prizes]

Hot on Horse Nation: Spring Training: How To Safely Bring A Horse Back to Work

Red Hills!!! Red Hills!!

 

Thursday Video from Ecovet: A Sneak Peek at Red Hills Cross Country with Mike Etherington-Smith

By on Mar 7, 2019 4:00 pm -

The 2019 edition of Red Hills International Horse Trials marks Mike Etherington-Smith’s fifth year as designer of the CCI4*-S (formerly CIC3*) and Advanced courses. He’s a master at keeping horses and riders on their toes — last year, he reversed the course completely, and he’s got some tricks up his sleeve for this year no doubt.

In this video from The Tallahassee Democrat, Mike drops a couple hints about what we can expect. He starts out by talking about Red Hills’ terrain, which still dips and out of the woods although it has opened up significantly over the years — crossing the finish flags with a veil of Spanish moss trailing from one’s skull cap used to be quite standard at this event. Mike explains that while the wooded parts have aesthetic appeal, they also present challenges.

“It’s very easy to mess with horses’ heads when they’re going through the trees which you don’t want to do, because they can get a bit too suspicious and they don’t jump well,” he says. “So it’s all about the flow, the balance of the course, where you put the questions and not making it too busy in the trees, because then the horses come around the bend and think ‘Oh God, what comes next?’ That’s what you don’t want. When they start thinking backwards or questioningly then they don’t jump well and their confidence drops.”

A notable change for this year is the second water complex, which the horses will now take two passes through: “This year I thought I’d make it a bit more spectator friendly by using it twice,” he explains, guiding us through the various questions. “This is a interesting series of fences — not easy, and not to be underestimated.”

Looking forward to the big reveal. CrossCountry App has shared a preliminary course tour of the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S courses; we’ll have a full course preview here on EN once the fences are numbered and gussied up. Our roving reporter Jenni Autry has landed and will be bringing us all latest action throughout the event, so keep it here!

#RedHills: Website, Schedule, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Did you know? Ecovet is the first fatty-acid fly repellent for horses. Tested and endorsed by veterinarians, Ecovet provides a real alternative to toxic pesticides. Learn more at eco-vet.com.

The Confidence Game

By on Mar 7, 2019 3:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Laura Harris.

It seems like some people have it and others don’t. Some may even lose it along the way. Is it the foundation that holds you up through the tough times and lets you believe in yourself? Or is it the elusive slippery substance that you can’t grab? You spy it in those around you, questioning it origin. Maybe it’s like the Justice Potter Stewart quote, “I know it when I see it.”

Confidence can come naturally but it can also be struggle. Lincoln said, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” I think confidence falls in similar strokes, it isn’t something that someone has all the time for all situations.

Maybe this has something to do with how confidence is created. It isn’t a windfall or an inheritance, like something gained in a lump sum. True confidence is something that is grown, piece by piece it gains ground. Don’t confuse it with bravado, which can help pave the way for confidence, but they are only cousins. Confidence is created in those small steps, not the big leaps. Sometimes a confidence step is simply getting back on, or just going out to the barn. Confidence is a good day or hard work paying off. Surely, Confidence can be damaged, but fear not, it is not irreparable. It just gets harder and more complicated.

Google conjures the definition to be:

  • the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust
  • the state of feeling certain about the truth of something
  • a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’ appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities

If confidence is the belief that you can trust yourself, your abilities, you must begin somewhere. It makes me extremely sad to hear people berate their own riding. I understand playing small. I understand the nature to be mean to yourself, or tough, because you think that is how one gets stronger. I distinctly remember an older girl telling me I was too hard on myself when I was younger. I knew she was right, but I also knew no other way to be. Now I do. I got stronger not by setting a bar too high I couldn’t reach, then yelling at myself that I didn’t reach it. You know what happens when you do grab that too high bar even in the midst of a self-induced tornado of angst and drive? You just continue set it even higher.

No, I got stronger by stopping the fight within myself. My way with the mental drill sergeant hadn’t produced the desired results after how many years, why should I continue to listen? The cerebral dictator, the editor, the punisher, the judge had done so very little for me but to give me the mental hang-ups I was trying to overcome. I am about as self-deprecating as they come, but you know how it has served me? Just about as well as yours has served you. Self-deprecation never bought anyone a cup of coffee. Self-depreciation doesn’t pay the electricity, you do. I’m not inclined to “woo”, overly touchy feely spiritualism, but the negative thoughts have never done anyone any favors. Negative thoughts, while masquerading as amusing or realistic, do not help.

Perhaps the steps of confidence can be a game in a better kind of way. Rather than think, I am the worst rider, why doesn’t my trainer kick me out already? Try, I am a rider LEARNING to ride, this is all part of the process. A neutral thought is the in-betweeny step from trash-meh-mediocre-OK-good-better-best-GOAT (AKA Michael Jung) rather than the giant leap from flea to Fox-Pitt. You don’t expect your horse to come out and warmup on piaffe or hopping around Prelim level jumps cold. It’s just not fair on them, is it? And so it isn’t fair to yourself to expect flawless performances, or even emergency mental u-turns and gymnastics. I do not believe being forgiving and supportive of yourself will cause you to abandon all discipline and work ethic only to spend the days eating bagels and cookie cake, swigging prosecco. You can be both compassionate and demanding of yourself without being cruel or mentally destructive.

Confidence is built and nourished in the small steps of success. Success is earned from the planning and completion of appropriate challenges. Let confidence come from experience. Let it come from the successes. Let it come from preparation. But let it come. If nothing else, how can confidence, the belief in yourself and your abilities, come from a place wherein you are unkind or overly harsh to said self and abilities? Think on that. If you really struggle with confidence, I urge you to listen to how you talk to yourself, that inner dialogue, and then look at what you expect the self-talk to produce. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” Thank you, Robert Louis Stevenson.

By the Numbers: Red Hills CCI4*-S

By on Mar 7, 2019 12:24 pm -

Elinor Klapp Phipps Park serves as the stunning setting for Red Hills International Horse Trials. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

The first U.S. CCI4*-S of the 2019 season is upon us! Red Hills International Horse Trials kicks off tomorrow in Tallahassee, Florida, and we have an exciting field coming forward for the CCI4*-S (formerly CIC3*). The ground jury is Vanda Stewart (IRL), Jane Hamlin (USA) and Bobby Stevenson (USA).

Mike Etherington-Smith is now in his fourth year of designing the CCI4*-S cross country course. The track has been modified this year to be more galloping, and portions of the course have been re-routed to improve flow. While parts of the track will still wind through the woods, the galloping lanes have been widened to provide a more open feel. Extensive work has also taken place on the footing.

Show jumping is held last for all the FEI divisions at Red Hills, with Chris Barnard returning for the third year as course designer. Who can we expect to take the CCI4*-S win come Sunday? Read on for EN’s analysis.

The stage is set for Red Hills! Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

The Field

  • The last time a pair outside of the top two after dressage won the event was in 2011, when Allison Springer was in third on Arthur after the first phase. Riders inside the top three after dressage have gone on to win the division every time in the last decade.
  • Only four riders have ever made the optimum time on cross country with a clear round at Red Hills in its entire history: Whitney Mahloch with Military Mind in 2018; Selena O’Hanlon with A Fine Romance and Foxwood High, both in 2013; Phillip Dutton with The Foreman in 2005 and Nova Top in 2004; and Peter Atkins with Henry Jota Hampton in 2012.
  • The last horse to win the CCI4-S* while still having a rail down in show jumping was Mighty Nice, who won with Phillip Dutton in 2013. The CCI4*-S winner typically goes clear in show jumping.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dressage Divas

  • Jessica Phoenix and her longtime partner Pavarotti have the best dressage average in the field of 28.7. They sat third after dressage last year in the CCI4*-S at Red Hills on 29.8. Expect them to once again be close to or at the top of the leaderboard after the first phase.
  • The striking grey mare Cayenne is a new ride for Switzerland’s Felix Vogg, having been produced to the CCI3*-S level by Finland’s Elmo Jankari. She is very green to the level and only just ran her first Advanced at Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. last month, but she won it on her dressage score of 28.9.
  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are making their triumphant return to international competition at Red Hills. They won the CCI4*-S in 2017 and will make a strong case to challenge for the win again. Their dressage average of 29.2 from when they last completed a full season in 2017 would be very close to the top of the leaderboard after the first phase.
  • In seven international runs at this venue, Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High have never finished outside of the top 10 at any level, but an international win at Red Hills has eluded them thus far. There is a good chance that changes this weekend. Their dressage average of 29.4 would put them in striking distance from the start.

Katherine Coleman and Billy Bandit. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Cross Country Machines

  • Foxwood High is only of only six horses to catch the optimum time in the CCI4-S* at Red Hills in the 20-year history of the event. Expect Selena O’Hanlon to put the pedal down in one of this horse’s key prep runs as we look ahead to their return trip to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
  • Brandon McMechan and speedy Oscar’s Wild have only picked up time penalties once in their entire international career across all levels — 2.4 in their CCI4*-S debut at Bromont last year. Look for them to push the clock in their second appearance at the level.
  • Katherine Coleman is well known as a fast cross country rider, and she’s picked up just 1.6 time penalties in both of her runs with Billy Bandit this season. He is green to the level, having only run his first CCI4*-S at the Ocala Jockey Club last fall where they incurred 20 jumping penalties, but expect him to come out looking like a different horse in his first international run of 2019.
  • Sydney Conley Elliott and Cisko A average 8.0 time penalties at the level, but they delivered several super speedy runs last season, including being one of the only pairs to catch the time in the Nations Cup at Great Meadow. They won the last time they competed in an international division at Red Hills, finishing on their dressage score to top the CCI3*-S back in 2014. Look for them to shoot right up the leaderboard after cross country.

Leslie Law and Voltaire De Tre. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

  • Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High had rails down in just one of their international runs last season. Last year they jumped a clear show jumping round in the CCI4*-S at Red Hills with 2.0 time penalties to finish fourth. With show jumping time penalties now changed for the 2019 season — 0.4 penalties for every second over the time allowed — pairs like this will benefit.
  • Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre only had one rail down at international level last season, and they delivered clear show jumping rounds every time the phase came last in 2018. They also jumped clear at Red Hills in the CCI4*-S last year in the horse’s debut at the level.
  • Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino didn’t have a single rail down at international level last season, including at Red Hills when they finished second in the CCI4*-S. Look for them to leave the poles in the cups once again come Sunday.
  • Cristano Z has only had two rails down in his entire career at both national and international levels with Caroline Martin — that’s 22 clear show jumping rounds out of 24 total.

PREDICTED WINNER: Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Keep Your Eye On:

  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot
  • Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti
  • Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino

Potential Spoilers:

  • Felix Vogg and Cayenne
  • Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild
  • Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker

Thank you to EN’s data analyst Maggie Deatrick for extracting the data for this article.

#RedHills: Website, Schedule, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Meet MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

By on Mar 7, 2019 11:00 am -

Thanks to our wonderful sponsor Cosequin Equine, we have the privilege of presenting you with a handful of OTTBs from deserving aftercare organizations each week. This week we’re extra thrilled to present you with three horses from a new-to-this-feature organization, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc. (MAHR) of Warwick, Maryland.

Co-founders Beverly Strauss and Ginny Suarez are two lifelong horsewomen on a mission: to give as many ex-racehorses as possible a second chance. Their efforts began long before MAHR was officially formed; as former racehorse trainers themselves both women were familiar with the sad reality that not all horses end up in good situations once they are done racing. For 30 years, Beverly and Ginny have been buying and pulling ex-racehorses from bad situations, including livestock auctions, evaluating them, and restarting them in new careers. Both women draw upon their wealth of experience in the eventing, dressage, foxhunting, and racing worlds and as Pony Club graduates, with their A and B ratings respectively, to set the horses that they bring in on the right track to success.

In 2002 they turned their efforts into a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which has achieved accreditation by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Over the years they have re-homed thousands of OTTBs, some of which came to them directly from the their race connections, others through different aftercare organizations, and more that they tracked down in auction pens.

You need look no further than MAHR’s Facebook page for evidence that the lucky horses who pass through their program go on to be well-loved and have successful second careers. Here are three horses currently available through MAHR that would all make great eventing prospects:

Frasero. Photo via MidAtlantic Horse Rescue courtesy of Rough Coat Photography.

Frasero (EL CORREDOR – CAMPI DI ROMA (ARG), BY ROMANOV (IRE)): 2009 16.0-hand Argentina-bred gelding

Frasero began his racing career as a three-year-old in his native Argentina and raced there for a year in graded stakes races before being imported to the U.S. In the States, he raced in claiming and allowance races and amassed over $94,000 in 38 starts. Years ago in his career, Frasero did have a condylar fracture on his right front but it was repaired surgically and he continued to race on it without problems. Frasero is retiring soundly after a long racing career and should not have any limitations going forward. This 2019 RRP eligible horse came to MidAtlantic Horse Rescue through Maryland’s Beyond the Wire program and was such a favorite in his trainer’s barn that they packed a bag of mints for him for the journey to MAHR. Frasero is a forward horse without being hot and a good mover. He’s a kind boy who would really like a best friend with which to take on a new job.

Located Warwick, Maryland.

View Frasero on MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.

Godspeed Tommy. Photo via MidAtlantic Horse Rescue courtesy of Rough Coat Photography.

Godspeed Tommy (GRAND REWARD – BARRACOUTA, BY CORRIDOR KEY): 2012 16.2-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Look past the rough winter coat and funny racetrack haircut — Godspeed Tommy is going to blossom into a fabulous sporthorse. “Tommy” has it all: a solid uphill build, good feet with a solid heel, and three great gaits with an especially awesome canter and naturally active hind end. Tommy spent four years on the track and made 36 starts and nearly $60,000. He is currently in training at MAHR’s satellite facility down south, but remains 2019 RRP eligible. He’s proving to be a brave and self-confident riding horse and he’s going to be a super fun one for someone to bring along!

Located in Salley, South Carolina.

View Godspeed Tommy on MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.

Speedy Caz Steel. Photo via MidAtlanic Equine Rescue.

Speedy Caz Steel (SORCERER’S STONE – SPEEDY DIVA, BY HADIF): 2010 15.3-hand Louisiana-bred gelding

Perhaps taking a horse fresh off the track and training it up for the Thoroughbred Makeover isn’t for you, and that’s 100% totally fine. Consider then an RRP graduate, such as Speedy Caz Steel here. “Speedy” last raced in late 2016 and then went on to compete in competitive trail and dressage at last year’s Thoroughbred Makeover. He has now also started fox hunting and has shown that he is a confident jumper and just as well-mannered outside of the ring as he is in.

Located in Westminster, Maryland.

View Speedy Caz Steel on MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.

Retired Racehorse Project’s ‘Sire Madness’ is Back for 2019

By on Mar 7, 2019 9:00 am -

Combining the best parts of March Madness — so, you know, the bracket — with the 16 most popular Thoroughbred sires of sport horses, the Retired Racehorse Project has rolled out “Sire Madness” for another year. Keep an eye on the Retired Racehorse Project Facebook page to cast your vote in daily match-ups! 

2019 bracket as of March 5. Courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project.

As the off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) enjoys another surge of popularity — it was once THE choice of America’s horsemen, but was replaced by the warmblood or Quarter horse, depending on discipline — more equestrians want to know: which bloodlines make the best sport horses?

One could argue that breeding is less important than individual horses’ talent, movement, jump or mind. One could also argue that all of those things — talent, movement, jump, or mind — are created by a horse’s breeding. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place to access all of this collective information we know about Thoroughbred bloodlines … in a sport horse context?

Seeking to fill that need, the Retired Racehorse Project created the Thoroughbred Sport Tracker (formerly known as Bloodline Brag). It’s the internet’s only user-driven database that allows participants to create profiles for their OTTBs and provide information about their movement, soundness, jump and show careers along with their sire, dam and damsire information, providing, for the first time, a detailed look at how certain lines might perform in individual disciplines.

As a user-driven database, it’s certainly not a perfect system — but it’s the only one of its kind currently available for anyone to access, and there’s a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips ready to be accessed. To help recognize the incredible resource of Thoroughbred Sport Tracker, the Retired Racehorse Project launched “Sire Madness” in 2018, ranking the top 16 most popular sires from the database in a bracket and posting daily match-ups on social media for popular vote. Giant’s Causeway was voted the 2018 Sire Madness winner, represented by numerous talented offspring in the hunter, jumper and eventing arenas and praised for his offspring’s excellent movement.

Courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project.

With hundreds of new horses added to the database over the past year, the Retired Racehorse Project has launched a new bracket for 2019. Some of the old familiar names are back again — Two Punch, Malibu Moon, Giant’s Causeway, Smarty Jones — but many rising stars are spoiling for an upset — Bellamy Road, Broken Vow, Smoke Glacken, Holy Bull.

There’s a new poll every other day for followers to vote for their favorite sire of sport horses, and already this month, there was an upset: the #16 seed Bellamy Road narrowly defeated the #1 seed Two Punch on the very first day of voting. Bellamy Road offspring have been making their mark in a variety of disciplines, from eventing to jumpers to barrel racing to trail. A new match-up will be published tomorrow as Sire Madness continues to work through preliminary rounds.

While this year’s bracket is already set up, there’s no reason that your OTTB can’t also be part of Thoroughbred Sport Tracker. Check out the database here, and with a free website account, you can add your horse’s profile and help contribute to the internet’s only OTTB bloodline database.

Go riding!